Illinois Expands Truck Parking at Two Interstate Rest Areas

The Illinois Department of Transportation is moving ahead with new truck parking projects at two rest areas, adding dozens of spaces along Interstate 24 and Interstate 74.

IDOT announced Sept. 21 that it received a $13.2 million federal grant for improvements at the Fort Massac and Salt Kettle rest areas. The projects will expand truck parking while also upgrading restrooms, accessibility features and other infrastructure.

The combined cost of the projects is estimated at $26.3 million. Illinois will provide the portion not covered by the federal grant.

Truck Parking Will More Than Triple at Fort Massac

One of the largest changes will take place at the Fort Massac rest area on I-24 in Metropolis, Illinois.

The project will involve demolition and reconstruction of the existing rest area. As part of the work, the number of truck parking spaces will increase from 19 to 64.

That represents 45 additional spaces and more than triples the location’s current truck parking capacity.

The project also calls for ADA-compliant truck parking and up to four assisted-use restrooms. These restrooms can provide additional space and equipment for travelers with special needs.

Construction at Fort Massac is expected to begin in early 2027. IDOT estimates the project will take approximately 18 months to complete.

Salt Kettle Rest Area Will Add Up to 41 Truck Spaces

IDOT is also planning a major expansion at the Salt Kettle rest area on I-74 near Oakwood.

The project will add up to 41 new truck parking spaces, including four ADA-compliant spaces. Additional roadway improvements are planned as part of the work.

The Salt Kettle project is expected to be let for construction in 2027. IDOT expects construction to begin by fall 2027.

Together, the two projects could substantially increase the number of truck parking spaces available along these interstate corridors.

Illinois Truck Parking Operates Near Capacity

The expansion comes as Illinois continues working to address demand for truck parking across the state.

According to IDOT, Illinois has approximately 11,000 truck parking spaces. These are primarily located at interstate safety rest areas. The state also has 91 privately operated truck stops.

About 94% of the state’s existing truck parking spaces see regular use, according to IDOT.

Truck traffic also plays a major role in Illinois’ freight network. IDOT reports that more than half of the freight tonnage in the state moves by truck. Based on 2019 figures cited by the agency, trucks transported approximately 848 million tons of goods valued at about $1.3 trillion.

Those numbers highlight the demand placed on infrastructure used by commercial vehicles traveling through the state.

Federal Grant Helps Fund Truck Parking Improvements

The $13.2 million federal award comes through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program, commonly known as BUILD.

According to IDOT, the federal BUILD program is investing $1.73 billion across 127 transportation projects in 52 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Projects cover road, rail, transit, maritime and aviation infrastructure.

Illinois will cover the remaining commitment for the Fort Massac and Salt Kettle projects beyond the federal award.

The new projects also fit into a larger IDOT effort to improve truck parking. The department has identified several rest areas for completed or ongoing parking expansions, including Trail of Tears, Fort Massac, Rail Splitter, Coalfield, Salt Kettle and Funks Grove.

Rest Area Upgrades Extend Beyond Truck Parking

The Fort Massac and Salt Kettle projects are also part of a broader effort to modernize Illinois rest areas.

IDOT says improvements are being made as funding becomes available. Projects can include remodeled buildings, improved entrance and exit ramps, additional restrooms and ADA upgrades to parking lots, sidewalks and buildings.

One recent example is the Trail of Tears rest area near Anna. The new facility opened in 2025 after nearly five years of construction. IDOT says its modern design and amenities are serving as a model for other rest-area projects.

Truck parking remains an important part of that effort. Rest areas provide commercial drivers with places to stop during trips, including opportunities to rest while operating under federal hours-of-service limits.

For drivers using I-24 and I-74 in Illinois, however, the additional capacity will not arrive immediately. Fort Massac construction is expected to begin in early 2027, while work at Salt Kettle is scheduled to begin later that year.