ORISKA, N.D. — The most popular rest stop in North Dakota is getting a glow-up, but the two-year project means the rest area will be closed through the winter.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation began work on the Oriska rest area in April, and so far, officials say the project is on track to finish by its projected date of mid-2026. The rest area is between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 94, about 12 miles east of Valley City near mile marker 304, or about midway between Fargo and Jamestown.

“Our old building was undersized,” said Barry Kinnischtzke, NDDOT operations section team leader. “It was the most popular rest area in the state."

The project involves the complete demolition of the existing rest stop, including its parking areas, and the removal of tree

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