Ohio Leads the Nation with 1,400 New Truck Parking Spaces
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has taken a bold step to address one of the most critical issues facing the trucking industry today. On July 29, 2025, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced a comprehensive plan to add at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces across the state, more than doubling Ohio’s current truck parking capacity on state-owned property.
A Strategic Response to Growing Demand
Ohio’s position as a critical freight corridor makes this expansion particularly significant. The state is perfectly situated within a day’s drive of 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population, making it one of America’s most important transportation hubs.
The numbers tell the story:
- 27.5 million miles logged by trucks on Ohio roads in 2023 alone
- 26% increase in freight volume projected by 2045
- 33 new truck parking areas across 19 counties
- $150 million in funding from the current transportation budget
The Human Cost of Parking Shortages
The announcement comes at a critical time. According to the American Trucking Associations, there is currently one truck parking space for every 11 trucks on the road nationwide. This shortage forces drivers into dangerous situations:
- Driving while drowsy when they can’t find parking
- Parking in unsafe areas like highway shoulders and exit ramps
- 689 crashes caused by drowsy semi-truck drivers in Ohio since 2015
- 345 injuries and 2 fatalities resulting from these crashes
Strategic Site Selection
The 33 new truck parking areas will be strategically located across 19 counties, organized by region to maximize coverage and accessibility:
Northwest Region (8 locations)
- Allen County: US 30 Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Henry County: US 6 and County Road 424 Infields (Eastbound)
- Medina County: IR 71 Rest Areas (Northbound & Southbound), IR 76 Rest Areas (Eastbound – Existing, Westbound – Vacant)
- Wyandot County: US 30 Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
Northeast Region (8 locations)
- Ashtabula County: IR 90 Vacant Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Summit County: IR 271 Rest Areas (Northbound & Southbound), IR 77 Vacant Rest Area
- Belmont County: IR 70 Weigh Station (Eastbound)
- Lake County: IR 90 Vacant Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Mahoning County: SR 11 Vacant Rest Areas (Northbound)
Southwest Region (7 locations)
- Auglaize County: US 33/Willipie Infields (Eastbound), US 33 Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Clermont County: IR 275 Rest Areas (TP Northbound & Southbound)
- Warren County: IR 71 Rest Areas (Northbound & Southbound)
Southeast Region (10 locations)
- Guernsey County: IR 70 Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Franklin County: IR 71/US 62 Infields (Eastbound)
- Ross County: US 35/US50 Interchange, US 23/SR159 Interchange
- Gallia County: US 35 Rest Areas (Westbound & Eastbound)
- Fayette County: US 35/US62/US22 Infields (East)
Once complete, the American Transportation Research Institute projects that Ohio will lead the nation in the total number of long-term truck parking spaces available on state-owned property.
A Comprehensive Approach to Safety
Each new parking site will include:
- Lighting for enhanced security and visibility
- Restroom facilities to support driver comfort and compliance with hours-of-service regulations
- Safe, accessible locations away from dangerous highway shoulders
Building on Previous Success
This expansion is part of Ohio’s ongoing commitment to supporting freight mobility and highway safety. Recent initiatives include:
2019: Launch of Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) with Midwest states for real-time parking availability
2022: Conversion of more than a dozen unused weigh stations into truck parking areas (144 new spaces)
2023: Statewide initiative to modernize 36 rest areas (401 new truck parking spots)
2024: Transformation of two abandoned rest areas in Preble and Trumbull counties (138 additional spaces)
The Economic Impact
Governor DeWine emphasized the broader economic benefits: “As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes. By expanding safe, accessible places for drivers to rest, we’re supporting the people who keep our economy moving and making it safer for everyone on our roads.”
Timeline and Implementation
- Construction begins: 2026
- Expected completion: End of 2027
- Total current parking spaces statewide: Approximately 14,200 (mostly at privately owned truck stops and businesses)
How Truck Parking Club Complements State Initiatives
While Ohio’s public investment is crucial, private solutions like Truck Parking Club continue to play a vital role in addressing the parking shortage. Our platform helps property owners monetize underutilized space while providing drivers with safe, reliable parking options.
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A Model for Other States
Ohio’s comprehensive approach—combining public investment with private partnerships—could serve as a model for other states facing similar truck parking shortages. The combination of strategic site selection, safety-focused design, and substantial funding demonstrates what’s possible when state leadership prioritizes this critical infrastructure need.
Looking Ahead
As construction begins in 2026, Ohio will be setting a new standard for truck parking infrastructure. The state’s commitment to doubling its truck parking capacity shows that with proper planning and investment, the truck parking crisis can be addressed effectively.
This initiative represents more than just additional parking spaces—it’s an investment in highway safety, economic growth, and the well-being of the truck drivers who keep America’s economy moving.
Read the full announcement: Governor DeWine Launches Major Effort to Expand Commercial Truck Parking in Ohio
