FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 22, 2024) – Nestled along northbound Interstate Highway 65 in Hart County lies a sanctuary for travelers – Kentucky’s Best Maintained Rest Area. The state facility received perfect scores for its family restroom, lobby and staff last year, earning the annual award and fulfilling Kentucky’s mission to provide first-class service to all highway users.
“Kentucky is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, and more than 275 million tons of freight move across our roadways each week,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “A large number of drivers look to us for safe, clean locations to stop and recharge, and this award demonstrates our commitment to providing those facilities.”
Each year, the Transportation Cabinet judges the Best Maintained Rest Area award based on seven categories scored during unannounced quarterly inspections of all rest areas in the state.
It’s the first time in the award’s 24-year history that the Hart County rest area near Horse Cave has received the honor.
It is one of the largest facilities in the state, with more than 100 well-lit parking spaces. The site is handicap-accessible and pet-friendly, with clean restrooms, stocked vending machines and picnic areas.
Community Services Project Inc. (CSP), a nonprofit that trains and employs about 400 disabled workers in Kentucky, operates the Hart County rest area and others across the commonwealth. Contract employees with CSP, Velocity and Cleaning by Regina and Associates maintain Kentucky’s 16 rest areas, six welcome centers and four truck rest havens.
CSP employees and employees of Department of Highways District 4 were presented with certificates commemorating the award.
“The Transportation Cabinet’s No. 1 priority is safety, and the well-being of all who travel our roadways is at the heart of our rest area program,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “Well-maintained rest areas bring a sense of peace to motorists looking for a safe haven after driving long periods of time.”
“This recognition is a testament to the great work CSP and our District 4 team do,” said KYTC Chief District Engineer Brad Bottoms. “We are grateful to have received this award, and more importantly, we’re proud to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for motorists to rest and recharge.”
