Truck Parking Expansion With 1,400 New Spots In Ohio
Ohio’s $150 million project will add 1,400 truck parking spaces at 33 rest areas statewide, aiming to improve safety and reduce fatigue-related crashes.
dayileyvasJuly 29, 20252 Mins read736
Truck Parking Expansion Underway Across Ohio
Ohio has launched a $150 million effort to expand truck parking in 33 rest areas across the state. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the plan during a press conference on July 29, 2025, at a rest area off I-71 in Warren County.
This large investment will add around 1,400 new parking spaces. These spots will be built at 33 rest areas throughout Ohio by 2027.
Why Truck Parking Is a Priority for Ohio
Truck drivers across the country often struggle to find safe and legal places to park. According to ODOT, this shortage puts drivers at risk and adds stress to their already demanding jobs. Governor DeWine said the state is taking direct action to fix the issue.
“We want to make sure drivers have a safe place to stop and rest,” DeWine said. “They deserve better options.”
Truck Parking Project to Cover 33 Rest Areas
ODOT will add new truck parking spaces at rest stops on major highways such as I-70, I-75, and I-77. These areas were selected based on traffic data, safety reports, and feedback from the trucking industry.
In total, the project will impact 33 locations. Some sites will get completely new lots for trucks. In others, existing spaces will be expanded or repurposed.
Truck Parking Funding and Timeline
The state has committed $150 million to complete this project. Most of the construction is set to begin in 2026. The goal is to have all new parking spaces ready by the end of 2027.
ODOT said that this funding comes from both state and federal sources. The agency will also work with local communities during the construction process.
Truck Parking and Safety Concerns
Experts say that a lack of parking is not just an inconvenience—it’s also a safety issue. Drivers may be forced to park in unsafe or unauthorized areas when spaces are full. This increases the risk of crashes and violations.
ODOT leaders noted that better parking will lead to fewer fatigue-related incidents. Drivers will be able to follow hours-of-service rules more easily and avoid unnecessary risks.
Support From the Trucking Industry
The announcement received praise from many in the trucking community. Organizations that represent drivers and carriers say this is a step in the right direction. They’ve long warned about the dangers of inadequate truck parking.
Ohio’s effort shows that the state is listening to driver concerns. It also puts Ohio ahead of many other states struggling with the same issue.
Truck Parking Changes Coming Soon
The first signs of change will be visible in 2026, with construction crews preparing sites and clearing land. By the end of 2027, 1,400 new parking spots will be available across the state.
This plan reflects a growing awareness of how critical truck parking is to the success and safety of freight transportation. It also shows how state-level decisions can have a national impact.
