Columbus, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn have announced a sweeping new plan to address the critical shortage of safe, accessible commercial-truck parking in Ohio. The initiative will add at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces across the state, more than doubling the number of spaces currently available at ODOT-maintained locations.
“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes,” said Governor DeWine. “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.”
Expanding Safe Parking Options
ODOT has identified 33 sites in 19 counties where long-term truck parking lots will either be built or expanded. The selected counties include Allen, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Belmont, Clermont, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Henry, Lake, Mahoning, Medina, Ross, Summit, Warren, and Wyandot.
This expansion is especially important as Ohio plays a central role in the nation’s freight movement. Perfectly situated within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population, Ohio is a critical corridor for the movement of goods. In 2023 alone, trucks logged 27.5 million miles on Ohio roads. ODOT estimates that freight volume will rise by 26 percent by 2045, putting even greater pressure on available parking.
“Ohio’s new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity—setting the standard for safety and service.”
Addressing a National Problem
The lack of adequate parking for truck drivers is a nationwide issue. According to the American Trucking Associations, there is only one truck parking space for every 11 trucks on the road in the United States. This shortage often forces drivers to park in unsafe locations such as highway shoulders or entrance ramps.
Since 2015, Ohio has seen 689 crashes caused by drowsy semi-truck drivers, leading to 345 injuries and two fatalities. Officials believe this expansion will significantly reduce such risks by ensuring drivers have safe, designated places to rest.
The new parking sites will feature lighting and restroom facilities, enhancing both safety and comfort for drivers.
Funding and Construction Timeline
The plan is being funded with $150 million from the state’s current transportation budget, passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by Governor DeWine earlier this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with all sites completed by the end of 2027.
Once finished, Ohio will have one of the largest networks of state-owned truck parking facilities in the country.
Past Efforts to Improve Truck Parking
This initiative builds on a series of actions Ohio has taken in recent years to improve commercial-truck parking and safety:
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2019: Launch of the Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) in partnership with Midwest states, providing real-time updates on parking availability via digital signs, in-cab systems, and OHGO.com.
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2022: Conversion of over a dozen unused weigh stations into truck parking areas, creating 144 new spaces.
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2023: A statewide initiative to modernize 36 rest areas, adding 401 new truck parking spaces.
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2024: Conversion of two abandoned rest areas in Preble and Trumbull counties into dedicated truck parking areas, providing 138 additional spaces.
Strengthening Ohio’s Freight Network
At present, Ohio has roughly 14,200 truck parking spaces, with the majority located at privately owned truck stops or businesses. The new plan ensures that ODOT facilities will play a much larger role in meeting the growing demand.
By expanding safe parking options, Ohio is not only supporting truck drivers but also strengthening its freight network, reducing risks of fatigue-related accidents, and ensuring safer highways for all motorists.
