GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska (KSNB) – There are now two truck rest stops near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 281 south of Grand Island.

In a press release, the Wilkinson Companies announced that a new Fat Dogs truck and travel location has now opened north of this intersection.

The move comes after the state installed three traffic lights to accommodate the expected traffic at the new location. Two of the lights are on Highway 281 north of the interstate. The third is at the westbound exit ramp at Exit 312.

The Wilkinson Companies covered the costs of installing the traffic lights.

In a press release, spokesman Mark Wilkinson said: “Safety and accessibility were top priorities in this development.”

Wilkinson Companies operates nine gas stations and four hotels in Nebraska. A new Fat Dogs rest stop recently opened in Lincoln, and plans are underway to build another just off the interstate near North Platte.

Wilkinson said the new Grand Island location features a second-floor trucker lounge with showers, laundry and gym. The location also offers a convenience store with food and beverages for all travelers.

A company spokesman said the Fat Dogs gas station on the east side of Highway 281 near the freeway was closed.

Bosselman Inc. has operated the Bosselman Travel Center for many years. This rest area is located about a half mile north of the intersection of I-80 and Highway 281.

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