In July, Ohio Governor Mike Dewine announced a $150 million statewide project that would see approximately 1,400 new truck spaces across the Buckeye state.

"It's going to start here in spring of 2026, and should wrap up by fall of 2026, and we're going to add roughly 40 parking spaces for trucks, semis in that area," said Justin Chesnic, Public Information Officer for the Ohio Department of Transportation, referring to one of the locations along Interstate 80 west bound near the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line. State Route 11 in southern Mahoning County will be getting new truck spaces too.

More than 50,000 vehicles travel this stretch daily, and across Ohio, one sobering statistic was a catalyst for this project.

"For all the trucks that are driving, there is basically only enough parking for one out of every 11 trucks," Chesnic explained. ODOT confirmed the need for additional commercial truck parking, and identify where that parking was needed through a recent study.

ODOT estimates freight volume will increase 26 percent by 2045, which is why the transportation department, along with state officials are looking to be proactive. 

It's a safety measure that will give truck drivers a designated area to pull off when they're tired. This will also keep them off shoulders, as well as entrance and exit ramps. These new truck spaces will be complimented by new pavement, from the ground up, restrooms and new ramps, along with other miscellaneous items 

Traffic is not expected to be impacted on the rest stops, however, there will be lanes restrictions and changes to traffic flow across the border in PA where I-80 work will be continuing for the next two years as a road reconstruction project, $115 million federally funded initiative. That project will include lane shifts, and closures until updates are completed in 2027.