Pennsylvania Announces Major Expansion of Truck Parking — 1,200 New Spaces Coming by 2026

For the first time in decades, Pennsylvania is taking coordinated action to tackle one of the trucking industry’s most persistent challenges: the shortage of safe truck parking.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), will add 1,202 truck parking spaces across 133 locations by the end of 2026.

These new spaces will be developed using existing state-owned properties and highway rights-of-way, marking a major step toward safer highways, improved freight efficiency, and better working conditions for professional drivers.

Why This Matters for Drivers and Fleets

Truck parking shortages have long plagued the industry. Across the U.S., drivers often spend nearly an hour each day searching for safe, legal, and affordable parking — time that cuts into their productivity and rest.

In Pennsylvania, the shortage is especially severe. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the state averages only 10.9 public truck parking spaces per 100 miles of highway — well below the national average of 16.

The lack of adequate parking forces many drivers to park on highway shoulders, ramps, and other unsafe areas, creating compliance risks and safety hazards for both truckers and the motoring public.

PMTA President & CEO Rebecca Oyler praised the new initiative, emphasizing the safety benefits for drivers:

“Every new space means one more trucker has a safe and secure place to stop tonight. PMTA thanks PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission for making this a priority.”

What’s Included in the State’s Expansion Plan

PennDOT’s new parking plan includes:

• New designated truck parking areas along interstate on-ramps, weigh stations, and other right-of-way locations — where visibility and safety allow.
• Standardized signage to help drivers identify safe, legal parking areas.
• Integration into 511PA’s new “Public Truck Parking” feature, where drivers can view real-time parking availability via the 511PA website or mobile app.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is also exploring 600 additional spaces across its system, building on its previous $30 million investment in expanded parking at plazas such as Sideling Hill, Lawn, Highspire, and North Somerset.

With freight traffic now 15% higher than pre-pandemic levels, the Turnpike’s new parking sites will help reduce congestion, improve compliance with Hours-of-Service (HOS) requirements, and support driver retention.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, who holds a CDL himself, noted the nationwide significance:

“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. By adding these spots – and looking at ways to add even more – we’re giving truckers many more options to safely park and meet their rest requirements.”

Built on Years of Planning and PMTA Advocacy

This statewide expansion didn’t happen overnight. It builds directly on the Truck Parking Study developed by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) — chaired by PMTA’s Rebecca Oyler and formally adopted by the State Transportation Commission (STC) in late 2023.

That study provided the framework for today’s announcement, identifying Pennsylvania’s most critical freight corridors and recommending that PennDOT use existing state rights-of-way to add capacity.

Key findings from the study included:

• Pennsylvania ranks near the bottom among Northeastern states for public truck parking access.
• Most existing facilities lack 24-hour security and basic amenities.
• Shortages contribute to driver fatigue, safety risks, and retention challenges.

The TAC study also emphasized public-private collaboration — a principle now reflected in the state’s plan and future legislative efforts.

Legislative Support: HB 709 and Private-Sector Incentives

To complement the state’s investment, PMTA is backing House Bill 709, introduced by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, which would create a tax credit for private companies that build or expand truck parking open to the public.

If passed, the bill would:

• Offer a $5,000 credit per parking space (minimum five spaces).
• Cap credits at $100,000 per business, per year, with a $10 million initial statewide cap.
• Prioritize projects along Tier I and Tier II freight corridors identified in the TAC study.

By encouraging private-sector development, the bill would help close the gap between public need and limited state funding — accelerating the addition of safe, accessible parking throughout Pennsylvania.

What Fleets Should Do Next

As new parking locations open across Pennsylvania, fleets can take advantage of new tools and features to improve trip planning and safety compliance:

• Use 511PA’s “Public Truck Parking” map to help dispatchers and drivers locate safe parking in real time.
• Train drivers on updated rest area options and safety protocols.
• Monitor HOS compliance trends to identify where parking shortages still create risk.
• Support advocacy efforts like PMTA’s HB 709 initiative to ensure continued investment in driver safety infrastructure.

At Compliance Navigation Specialists (CNS), our experts can help you take proactive steps now to ensure full compliance and ensure your business avoids costly delays.

Contact CNS today to make sure your compliance needs are covered, call us at 888.260.9448 or email at info@cnsprotects.com.