Ohio Opens Rest Areas With 40 Truck Parking Spots
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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled two pairs of modern rest areas with a total of 40 truck parking spots along U.S. Route 33 near Columbus and on the U.S. 30 east-west corridor near the Indiana border.
“A safe traveler is a well-rested traveler, so our goal is to provide a safe, clean space for visitors,” DeWine noted July 18 at a celebration to open the four new rest area buildings. He has been launching a succession of new and refurbished rest areas this year as part of a to better serve drivers passing through the state and promote tourism revenue.
DeWine is working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to build 36 new rest areas and upgrade some 40 others by the end of 2026.
He met with local officials near the town of Convoy to cut the ribbon on a U.S. 30 eastbound rest area near the Ohio state line just over 30 miles from Fort Wayne, Ind.
The new rest area in Van Wert County is the first to welcome travelers entering Ohio on that highway. In close proximity on the opposite side of U.S. Route 30 is a new companion rest area building and parking area on U.S. 30 westbound. Each location has 10 truck parking places, 60 car parking slots, vending machines, family restrooms with universal changing stations, drinking water and local tourist information.
A safe traveler is a well-rested traveler, which is why it's our goal to provide safe, clean rest areas for those driving in Ohio. Today, we cut the ribbon on new rest areas in Union and Van Wert counties that feature native Ohio plants, dog trails, rocking chairs, and Storybook… — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine)
“The investment to upgrade the rest areas reflects Ohio’s commitment to traveler safety and tourism,” ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said. “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.”
On the same day, DeWine also led the opening near Marysville in Union County of two rest areas flanking both sides of U.S. Route 33. Each site has 10 parallel truck parking places and 27 spaces for cars. The buildings, about 33 miles northwest of Columbus, also offer the same amenities as those near Convoy.
“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, state Department of Development director.
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In April, for a renovated rest area on U.S. 33 westbound in Meigs County. Originally slated to open in 2023, the refurbished site near Kingsbury holds 12 truck parking places and 31 spaces for cars. It is close to the Ohio-West Virginia state line.
At that time, DeWine praised the facility: “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.”
On March 10, ODOT opened a reconstructed rest area on westbound I-70 in Muskingum County after a year’s delay. It has parking for 12 trucks and 32 cars. Amenities include drinking water, vending machines, family restrooms and a picnic area. It is located 10 miles east of Zanesville.
