Marietta city officials, members of Ohio Department of Transportation and Gov. Mike DeWine cut the ribbon for the opening of the rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on Interstate 77 northbound. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA — Gov. Mike DeWine attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on Interstate 77 northbound in Washington County on Tuesday afternoon.

The newly constructed rest area in Washington County was unveiled as part of an ongoing project pursued by DeWine and his wife Fran DeWine.

Ohio Department of Transportation’s Assistant Director Mitch Blackford gave the opening remarks at the ceremony.

“I want to thank Gov. DeWine for his vision to make rest areas safer, more inviting, and accessible and a monument to highlight all of the wonderful and amazing things in Ohio,” said Blackford.

He thanked Marietta officials, the Washington County Commissioners and Washington Sheriff Mark Warden for their contributions.

Gov. Mike DeWine introduces Taylor Abbott who is a board member for the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneer Rivermen at the ribbon cutting on Tuesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

DeWine said that it’s been his goal to improve the experience for travelers and there are currently 22 new rest areas in Ohio. He also attended a ribbon cutting for a new rest area in Belmont County on I-70 westbound earlier on Tuesday.

“This really came about from years and years of Fran and I traveling around the state,” said DeWine. “We want to show what’s ahead on the road.”

The rest area on I-77 northbound was a two-year project and included an entirely new structure with a focus on the history of southeast Ohio. The history of Marietta and Washington County were showcased with photos and art along the interior walls of the building.

“We want people who are passing through to feel welcome and we want them to feel safe,” said DeWine. “We want them to see just how beautiful Ohio is.”

The rest areas include dog trails, rocking chairs, native Ohio plants incorporated in the landscaping and a Storybook Trail to engage kids in a learning experience. There’s also a speaker that plays music for travelers who are entering the rest area building.

Gov. Mike DeWine attends the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on Interstate 77 northbound on Tuesday in Washington County. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“Some of the ideas for the rest areas came from other states; walking into a rest area in Tennessee you hear music, and I thought, why shouldn’t we have Ohio music when you walk into a rest area here?” said DeWine.

As part of an initiative DeWine announced in 2023, there will be a total of 36 new rest areas in Ohio by the end of next year.

The rest area buildings were inspired by the remodeling of the Preble County Welcome Center that was completed in 2023. It included many of the same things that appear in the new rest areas around the state.

To the right in the inside of the rest area is a model of The Steamer Sunshine which was loaned by The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.

DeWine introduced Taylor Abbott who serves on the board for the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.

The new rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on Interstate 77 northbound includes a variety of engaging features such as the Storybook Trail. The Storybook Trail is a short, paved trail for kids to follow and read signs along the path. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to see this model here on display for the public,” said Abbott. “And on behalf of our organization, I want to thank ODOT especially for the work they’ve done on this rest area.”

The rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on I-77 northbound is open for travelers to come and go.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.

The new rest area between mile marker 3 and 4 on Interstate 77 northbound is comfortable and inviting with paved trails, rocking chairs, picnic seating, and landscaping. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The rest area project pursued by Gov. Mike DeWine focuses on creating a safe and comfortable environment along with details about Ohio’s history. There is a garden that highlights Ohio native plants at the entrance of the rest area. (Photo by Amber Phipps)