Good News on the Road: More Safe Truck Rest Areas Under Construction

With federal funding and legislative support, the U.S. government is pushing forward with the construction and modernization of truck rest areas nationwide. More than 3,000 new parking spots are expected to be available by the end of 2025.

In response to one of the most urgent demands of the freight transportation sector, the U.S. government is moving ahead with the expansion and modernization of truck stops and rest areas across the country.

The project, backed by the Truck Parking Expansion Act and funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aims to improve the safety, well-being, and efficiency of professional drivers.

A Critical Need

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), over 98% of truckers have had to continue driving past their legal hours because they couldn’t find a safe place to park.
This situation not only increases the risk of accidents but also leads to fatigue, stress, and penalties for violating rest regulations.

“It’s a national crisis. We’re not just talking about comfort—this is about road safety and mental health for the people keeping our economy running,” said a spokesperson from OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association).

What the Plan Includes

The Truck Parking Expansion Act, passed in committee in 2023 with funds allocated starting in 2024, is already being implemented in at least 17 states, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and California. The plan includes:

Construction of new rest areas with truck-only parking
Expansion of existing stops, including lighting, restrooms, signage, and security cameras
Installation of electric charging stations, anticipating the future electrification of freight transport
Development of real-time availability apps so drivers can plan stops in advance

States Under Construction

Here are some of the projects already underway:

Texas: Expansion of rest areas along I-10 and I-35, with over 500 new parking spaces planned
Florida: Upgrades along the I-75 corridor, especially in the southern part of the state
Illinois: Construction of a mega rest area on I-80 with 120 spaces, showers, and free Wi-Fi

In total, more than 3,000 new truck parking spaces are expected to be available before the end of 2025.

Funding and the Road Ahead

The federal budget commitment totals $755 million through 2027, with a combination of funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT), state governments, and private associations.

In the long term, the plan envisions a nationwide network of smart and safe rest areas, as part of the government’s broader commitment to road safety and logistics infrastructure.

With this expansion, the U.S. aims not only to reduce fatigue-related accidents, but also to dignify the essential work of thousands of truckers who keep the nation supplied and moving.