A new roadside rest area is coming to Balsam, serving westbound travelers on U.S. 23-74. It will sit on seven acres just across the highway from the current rest area on the eastbound side.

One main reason for the new rest area is safety, according to Joel Setzer, head of the Department of Transportation for the 10 western most counties.

The existing rest area serves both sides of the highway, forcing drivers on the far side to make a U-turn across oncoming traffic when pulling in and out, which can be unsafe on such a busy stretch of road, Setzer said.

Plans also call for renovating the existing rest area. Construction is scheduled to begin in August of 2013.

— From staff reports