COLUMBUS, Ohio — State transportation officials are moving forward with a major initiative aimed at increasing commercial truck parking across Ohio as freight traffic continues to grow.
The effort comes after a statewide study identified a significant shortage of available parking for truck drivers. According to transportation officials, demand for safe and legal truck parking continues to outpace supply, creating challenges for drivers who are required to take federally mandated rest breaks.
In response, Governor Mike DeWine directed the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to develop additional truck parking locations throughout the state.
The initiative will add hundreds of new parking spaces through several projects, including the expansion of existing rest areas, the conversion of former highway weigh stations, and new construction funded through federal freight infrastructure grants.
Officials say 257 truck parking spaces will be added as part of ongoing rest area reconstruction projects across Ohio. Another 144 spaces will be created at former weigh station locations, while an additional 138 spaces are planned along Interstate 70 in Preble County and Interstate 80 in Trumbull County through a federal infrastructure grant program.
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to stop and rest after reaching certain driving-hour limits. When designated parking areas are full, drivers often have few options and may be forced to continue searching for parking or stop in less desirable locations such as highway ramps and shoulders.
Ohio remains one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors. State officials report that commercial trucks traveled more than 27 million miles on Ohio roadways in 2023, with freight movement expected to increase substantially in the coming decades.
As part of the planning process, more than 100 potential locations were reviewed within existing state-owned right-of-way. Following engineering and site evaluations, 33 locations across 18 counties were selected to move forward for design and development.
Transportation leaders say the additional parking will improve safety, support the trucking industry, and help accommodate future growth in freight traffic throughout Ohio.
