Oakland Woods Rest Area on westbound Interstate 90 opened Tuesday after undergoing improvements this summer, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The rest area received improvements in the picnic area and installation of a family and handicapped accessible restroom. Additionally, new playground equipment and a pet exercise area were added. The building’s heating and ventilation system was updated. During the work, MnDOT crews also made repairs to the ramps and parking lots.

Oakland Woods, which serves westbound traffic at milepost 171, is about 11 miles east of the Interstate 35 and I-90 junction in southern Minnesota.

Two other I-90 rest areas are scheduled for re-opening soon with similar improvements. High Forest Rest Area, which is at milepost 202 for eastbound I-90 traffic, approximately seven miles west of the Stewartville exit, is scheduled to open Sept. 29. Hayward Rest Area, which serves eastbound traffic at milepost 162 about three miles east of the junction of I-35 and I-90, is scheduled to open in mid-October.

Until those two rest areas re-open, temporary, portable toilets are available to travelers, but there is no running water. Parking is restricted to the truck parking lot during construction.

With these projects, MnDOT is working to enhance an efficient and effective transportation system.