Truckers in Pennsylvania will soon have more parking options as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) plans to add over 1,200 new truck parking spaces by the end of 2026. Announced on Monday (October 6), this expansion aims to address a longstanding issue of truck parking shortages across the state. The new spaces will be established in 133 locations, including interstate on-ramps and weigh stations, and will be marked with signage installed by PennDOT.
This initiative is the first statewide expansion of designated truck parking spaces in decades, excluding facility construction projects. The expansion is a collaborative effort between PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. According to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, "Truck parking is a nationwide issue, and with the high volume of freight traffic coming through Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration knew that we needed to tackle this problem."
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is also exploring options to add approximately 600 additional truck parking spaces along the PA Turnpike system. This includes emergency pull-offs and service plaza on-ramps. The expansion will help truckers meet federal rest requirements, reducing driver fatigue and improving highway safety.
To assist truckers in finding available parking, PennDOT has launched a new "Public Truck Parking" option on the 511PA website and smartphone app. This feature provides a map of existing and new parking locations as they become available.
Rebecca Oyler, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Every new space added to our highway network means one more trucker who has a safe and secure place to stop tonight."