917 New Truck Parking Spaces Coming to Florida’s I-4 Corridor

On Thursday, June 18, federal and state transportation officials gathered in Sanford to break ground on five new truck parking expansion projects along Interstate 4 (I-4) in Florida. The initiative marks a significant step toward addressing the severe shortage of safe truck parking and rest areas in Central Florida.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs joined Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue to celebrate the launch of the projects.

Supported by a $180 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s INFRA program, the project will add 917 new truck parking spaces along the I-4 corridor. This corridor currently carries approximately 95% of Florida’s consumer goods, making it a critical component of the state’s supply chain and trucking industry.

917 Truck Parking Spaces Along I-4

The shortage of truck parking poses a safety risk for all motorists and carries a greater economic cost than many realize. According to Truck Parking Research, the issue resulted in an estimated $100 billion loss in productivity in 2025. The average truck driver spends about 56 minutes per day searching for parking, resulting in an estimated daily loss of $105.

“Truck drivers should not have to choose between complying with the law and finding a safe place to park,” said Derek D. Barrs, FMCSA Administrator. “These new parking spaces will help drivers get the rest they need, reduce dangerous roadside parking, and make one of Florida’s busiest freight corridors safer for everyone. This investment addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing truck drivers today while strengthening the safe and efficient movement of goods throughout Central Florida.”

The infrastructure improvements will be implemented in two major phases. Construction on the first three sites, located in Seminole and Volusia counties, will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Drivers seeking relief farther south will have to wait a bit longer, as construction on the final two parking facilities in Orange and Osceola counties is not scheduled to begin until later in 2027.

Commitment to Improving Road Safety

The initiative is part of a broader federal effort led by Secretary Duffy. FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster emphasized the urgency of the project, noting that Florida is expanding and providing dedicated truck parking where it is needed most—along the I-4 corridor, which has the “highest unmet demand” for truck parking in the state.

Secretary Jared W. Perdue stated that Florida is focusing on innovation to ensure that investments are effectively translated into meaningful improvements. The ultimate goal, Perdue added, is a shared commitment to enhancing overall roadway safety, reducing traffic congestion, and strengthening the state’s supply chain.