New Truck Parking Facility to Be Built in Medina County

Ohio Expands Truck Parking with New Medina County Facility

Ohio is moving forward with a major truck parking expansion aimed at improving safety and compliance for commercial drivers. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced plans to convert two I-71 rest areas in Medina County into a dedicated truck parking facility. The project is part of a broader statewide effort to increase parking capacity and address a long-standing shortage across key freight corridors.

Medina County Truck Parking Project on I-71

ODOT confirmed that the northbound and southbound rest areas along I-71 in Medina County will close in early 2026 to allow construction of expanded truck parking facilities.

Under the plan, the southbound lot will increase from about 20 truck spaces to approximately 66 spaces. The northbound side will grow from around 10 spaces to roughly 29. The redesigned locations will include upgraded lighting and restroom facilities to support driver safety and comfort.

According to ODOT officials, roughly 3,000 trucks travel this stretch of I-71 each day, making parking along the corridor a priority for safety improvements.

Statewide Truck Parking Expansion Plan

The Medina County project is part of Ohio’s larger initiative announced by Gov. Mike DeWine and ODOT leadership. The state plans to add at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces across 33 state-owned sites in 19 counties by the end of 2027.

Once completed, Ohio will more than double the number of spaces available on state-owned property. Officials estimate the state will have more than 3,100 public spots once the program is fully implemented.

The $150 million initiative is funded through Ohio’s transportation budget and includes improvements such as lighting, pavement upgrades, and restroom facilities.

Why Truck Parking Remains a National Concern

The shortage of truck parking is not unique to Ohio. Nationwide data shows there is approximately one space for every 11 commercial trucks on the road. As a result, drivers often struggle to find legal and safe places to park at the end of their driving shifts.

Federal HOS regulations require drivers to take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty after reaching their daily driving limit. When adequate parking is unavailable, drivers may face difficult decisions that affect compliance and safety.

Transportation officials say expanding parking helps reduce fatigue-related risks and improves overall highway safety.

Strategic Locations Along Key Freight Corridors

Ohio’s expansion focuses on major interstate corridors and freight routes throughout the state. Sites were selected to provide better coverage across high-traffic areas and to improve access to legal parking options.

In addition to Medina County, projects are planned in multiple counties across northern, central, and southern Ohio. Many of the new spaces will be built on existing ODOT-owned property, including rest areas and weigh stations.

Officials say using state-owned land allows Ohio to expand truck parking efficiently while addressing one of the industry’s most frequently cited infrastructure concerns.

Supporting Safety and Freight Growth

Ohio is a major freight hub, located within a day’s drive of a large share of the U.S. and Canadian population. State officials estimate freight volume in Ohio could increase by more than 25% in the coming decades.

By investing in truck parking now, the state aims to prepare for that projected growth while improving conditions for drivers who rely on safe and reliable rest areas.

What the Truck Parking Expansion Means for Drivers

For commercial drivers traveling through Ohio, expanded parking means more legal options to meet federal rest requirements. Additional parking capacity may reduce time spent searching for available spaces and limit the need to park in unauthorized locations.

The Medina County conversion project represents one of the early phases of Ohio’s broader effort. As construction progresses statewide, officials say the expanded truck parking network will strengthen both safety and freight mobility.