Hayward rest area on eastbound Interstate 90 opened Monday 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/ 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. The project cost about $795,000.

Hayward rest area serves eastbound traffic at milepost 162 about 3 miles east of the junction of Interstate 35 and I-90.

Two other I-90 rest areas have already re-opened after similar improvements this past summer. 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. High Forest Rest Area, which is at milepost 202 for eastbound I-90 traffic, is approximately 7 miles west of the Stewartville exit.

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