Florida's Rest Stops Go Green

The new rest stops will include high ceilings and glass to utilize natural light, outdoor areas landscaped with indigenous plants that don’t need irrigation, non-toxic and recyclable building materials, and healthier food alternatives for drivers on the go. The stops are spread across the 312-mile toll road.

Other states are trying a range of different initiatives to make their turnpikes more environmentally friendly. Massachusetts wants to build a wind-turbine operation adjacent to one of its turnpike’s rest stops, Pennsylvania is also rebuilding its facilities to meet LEED standards, and many states are moving toward electronic toll collecting to reduce congestion.

Florida even hopes its turnpike rest stops will become minor attractions in their own right and leave a “lasting image” for travelers driving through the state.

Rest Stops Get ‘Green’ Facelifts (USA Today)