COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 29, 2025) — Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn today unveiled a sweeping plan to combat the shortage of safe, accessible truck parking across the state. The initiative will add 1,400 new long-term truck parking spaces at 33 ODOT-owned sites across 19 counties, including multiple locations in Ross, Auglaize, Clermont, Warren, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, and Fayette counties.
Ohio is poised to become the national leader in state-maintained truck parking once the expansion is complete.
“As Ohio’s economy grows, so does our freight traffic,” said Governor DeWine. “This investment ensures truck drivers have safe places to rest and helps keep all Ohioans safer on the road.”
The effort follows a comprehensive review of ODOT property and will more than double the current truck parking capacity at state-run sites. The $150 million initiative is funded through the transportation budget passed by the Ohio General Assembly earlier this year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027.
Southwest Ohio Truck Parking Locations:
- Auglaize County
- US 33 Rest Areas (Eastbound and Westbound)
- US 33/Willipie Infields (Eastbound)
- Clermont County
- I-275 Rest Areas (Northbound and Southbound)
- Warren County
- I-71 Rest Areas (Northbound and Southbound)
Southeast Ohio Truck Parking Locations:
- Guernsey County
- I-70 Rest Areas (Eastbound and Westbound)
- Franklin County
- I-71/US 62 Infields (Eastbound)
- Ross County
- US 23/SR 159 Interchange
- US 35/US 50 Interchange
- Gallia County
- US 35 Rest Areas (Eastbound and Westbound)
- Fayette County
- US 35/US 62/US 22 Infields (Eastbound)
Statewide Impact
Ohio’s strategic location—with 60% of the U.S. and Canadian population within a day’s drive—makes it a critical freight hub. Trucks logged over 27.5 million miles on Ohio roads in 2023, and freight volume is expected to grow 26% by 2045.
According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the expansion will place Ohio first in the nation for long-term truck parking on state-owned property.
“Ohio’s investment sets a new standard in safety and service for truckers,” said ODOT Director Boratyn. “This project is about giving drivers a safe, legal place to park and rest so they’re not forced to make dangerous decisions.”
Additional Safety Context
Nationwide, there is only one truck parking space for every 11 trucks. The scarcity often forces drivers to park on highway shoulders or ramps. Since 2015, 689 crashes in Ohio have been attributed to drowsy semi-truck drivers—causing 345 injuries and two fatalities.
Each of the new parking sites will include lighting and restroom facilities to further enhance driver comfort and safety.
Background on Ohio’s Truck Parking Initiatives:
- 2019: Truck Parking Information System (TPIMS) launched in coordination with other Midwest states.
- 2022: Over a dozen weigh stations converted into truck parking (144 spaces).
- 2023: Modernization of 36 rest areas, adding 401 new truck parking spots.
- 2024: Two abandoned rest areas (Preble & Trumbull counties) converted into truck-only parking (138 spaces).
Currently, Ohio offers around 14,200 total truck parking spaces, with most located at private truck stops and businesses. This new public-sector expansion will play a vital role in balancing safety, convenience, and economic development across the Buckeye State.
