(The Center Square) – The state of Ohio plans to spend $150 million in taxpayer funds to become the nation’s leader in commercial truck parking areas.
The plan creates 1,400 new truck parking spaces across the state at 33 state-owned property sites in 19 counties. Long-term truck parking lots are expected to be built or expanded, doubling the total capacity at Ohio Department of Transportation-maintained sites.
“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the number of trucks traveling on Ohio’s network of interstates and state routes,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “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.”
Sitting within a day’s drive of 60% of the United States and Canada, commercial trucks traveled 27.5 million miles across the state in 2023. The Transportation Department estimates freight volume will grow 26% by 2045.
The new parking areas will be in Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Belmont, Clermont, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Henry, Lake, Mahoning, Media, Ross, Summit, Warren and Wyandot counties.
When finished, the American Transportation Research Institute says Ohio will have more long-term truck parking spots on state-owned property than any other state.
The American Trucking Association says currently there is one truck parking spot available for every 11 trucks on the road across the country. Also, 689 crashes were caused by drowsy truck drivers in Ohio since 2015.
“Ohio’s new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road,” Transportation Department Director Pamela Boratyn said. “These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity – setting the standard for safety and service.”
Construction is expected to start in 2026 and be finished by the end of 2027. Each new parking area will include lighting and restroom facilities.
