Truckers rolling through Ohio just got some good news: four new rest areas are now open, adding 40 truck parking spaces in key freight corridors. And that’s just the beginning. The state is launching a major overhaul—building 36 brand-new rest areas and upgrading 40 more by the end of 2026.
The first wave of these new sites just opened along U.S. Route 33 near Marysville and on U.S. Route 30 near Convoy, close to the Indiana border. Each location has 10 designated truck parking spots and includes features drivers appreciate: clean restrooms, vending machines, fresh drinking water, and even local travel information.
“A safe traveler is a well-rested traveler, so our goal is to provide a safe, clean space for visitors,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, who helped cut the ribbon on the new locations July 18.
DeWine launched this state-wide revamp last year to modernize Ohio’s rest stop network and support both safety and tourism.
In Van Wert County near Convoy, the eastbound and westbound rest areas now serve as the first welcome points for drivers entering Ohio on U.S. 30. They’re located just over 30 miles from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition to the 10 truck spots at each, there are 60 car spaces, family restrooms with universal changing stations, and vending options.
Pamela Boratyn, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), says the improvements reflect a larger push to make Ohio rest areas not just functional, but also inviting.
“These reimagined rest areas not only provide essential services but also serve as a gateway to discovering more attractions in Ohio, the Heart of it All,” she said.
Truckers traveling U.S. 33 near Marysville will also notice the changes. The new facilities in Union County include 10 parallel truck parking places per side, 27 car spaces, and the same upgraded amenities as the Convoy sites—everything from tourist info to clean water.
“Whether someone is new to Ohio or simply exploring a different region, these reimagined rest areas offer a warm welcome and a lasting first impression,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the state’s Department of Development.
These newest rest areas follow earlier improvements elsewhere in the state. Back in April, ODOT opened a renovated rest stop on U.S. 33 westbound in Meigs County near the West Virginia line. That location offers 12 truck parking spots and 31 for cars, along with updated facilities.
“This new rest area provides travelers with a secure, updated, and well-maintained place to rest, helping to reduce fatigue-related accidents on our highways,” DeWine said at the time.
And in March, a reconstructed site opened on I-70 westbound in Muskingum County. Delayed for a year, the facility now includes 12 truck parking spaces, 32 for cars, plus water, vending machines, family restrooms, and even a picnic area—10 miles east of Zanesville.
With freight traffic continuing to rise, Ohio’s investments in truck-friendly rest stops come at a critical time. More parking, cleaner facilities, and safe places to stop could make a real difference for drivers hauling through the Buckeye State.
Source: Transport Topics
