The rest area on Interstate 65 near Greenville will close this week to allow work to begin on a new, larger facility for travelers to take a break from the road.

The Alabama Department of Transportation said the current structure will be demolished and replaced by one with additional stalls, urinals, and family restrooms.

W.S. Newell & Sons, Inc., of Montgomery, was awarded the contract for the project, which will cost about $14 million. Newell had the lowest bid that met the requirements for the project. The work is expected to take up to two years.

The next rest area for southbound travelers on I-65 is in Evergreen, 44 miles from the Greenville stop.

ALDOT is finalizing plans and securing funds to replace the northbound rest area on I-65 near Greenville after completion of the southbound. The northbound rest area will remain open during the southbound rest area’s upgrade.