Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation is moving forward with a major project in Medina County aimed at expanding truck parking capacity along the busy Interstate 71 corridor. As part of a statewide effort to increase safe parking options for commercial drivers, the agency will convert the existing northbound and southbound I-71 rest areas into a dedicated truck parking facility.
The rest areas are scheduled to close on March 2 so demolition work can begin at the current site. Officials say the change is intended to improve safety and address the growing demand for parking along one of Ohio’s most heavily traveled freight routes.
“There are additional rest areas within 30 miles of this location and upgrading these rest areas would have required a significant investment,” said ODOT District 3 Deputy Director Bob Weaver. “Converting them to truck parking will help to improve safety for all motorists along the I-71 corridor.”
Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Freight Demand
The project will significantly increase the number of available truck parking spaces. The northbound site will expand from 10 spaces to 29, while the southbound location will grow from 20 spaces to 66. In addition to expanded parking, the upgraded facility will include improved lighting and a restroom building for drivers. The total project cost is estimated at approximately $6.8 million.
Traffic volume in the area underscores the need for additional capacity. On average, about 3,000 trucks pass the Medina County rest areas each day. A recent national study also confirmed a widespread shortage of truck parking nationwide, finding there is only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road.
State leaders have made addressing this shortage a priority. In 2024, Governor Mike DeWine directed ODOT to tackle the lack of truck parking and accelerate construction of new facilities. After reviewing state-owned properties, Ohio plans to add at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces at 33 sites statewide.
Transportation officials note that freight demand is expected to continue growing. ODOT estimates freight volume will increase by 26 percent by 2045. Ohio’s strategic location — within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population — and its extensive highway network make it a critical hub for trucking and logistics.
By converting the Medina County rest areas into expanded truck parking facilities, officials aim to improve roadway safety, reduce illegal roadside parking, and support the state’s vital freight economy. Additional details and construction updates are available on the project website.
