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MoDOT Announces $75 Million Truck Parking Expansion on I-70

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. -75-million-truck-parking-expansion-on-i-70.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 12:28 GMT by KCTV News
      Locales: Missouri, UNITED STATES

Kansas City, MO - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) today unveiled a $75 million plan to dramatically expand truck parking facilities along the vital I-70 corridor. This isn't simply about adding a few spaces; it's a strategic response to a growing national crisis impacting supply chains, driver safety, and overall highway congestion. The project, slated to begin in late 2026, will see the construction of new truck parking areas and upgrades to existing facilities near Columbia, Warrenton, and St. Louis, adding potentially hundreds of spaces for commercial vehicles.

For years, the lack of adequate truck parking has been a simmering problem, but it has boiled over in recent times. The increasing demand for goods, coupled with a shortage of truck drivers, has exacerbated the issue. Trucks routinely circle highway interchanges and are forced to park on shoulders and ramps - illegal and dangerous locations - because legitimate parking is unavailable. This creates a dangerous situation for drivers, who are often fatigued and searching for a place to rest, and for other motorists who must navigate around parked trucks.

"We've seen firsthand the challenges that truck drivers face when trying to find safe and legal places to park," stated MoDOT Director Brenda Johnson during a press conference. "This expansion is a crucial step in alleviating congestion and improving safety for everyone on our roadways." But the issue extends beyond just Missouri's borders. A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that the national truck parking shortage costs the trucking industry an estimated $7.7 billion annually in lost productivity. The ATRI report highlights that drivers spend an average of 56 minutes searching for parking, contributing to hours-of-service violations and increased stress.

MoDOT's project isn't occurring in a vacuum. It aligns with broader federal efforts to address the truck parking shortfall. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, allocated significant funding for truck parking initiatives, recognizing it as a key component of supply chain resilience. Missouri is leveraging a combination of state funds and these federal infrastructure grants to finance the I-70 expansion. The specific design of the new and upgraded facilities will incorporate best practices for driver amenities. MoDOT is consulting with truck driver advocacy groups, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), to ensure the facilities cater to drivers' needs. These considerations include adequate lighting, restrooms, showers, and potentially even laundry facilities and meal options.

The chosen locations - Columbia, Warrenton, and St. Louis - were strategically selected based on traffic volume, existing truck traffic patterns, and available land. The project will not only increase the number of parking spaces, but also improve the quality of those spaces. This includes ensuring adequate maneuvering room for large trucks, providing sufficient lighting for safety and security, and incorporating technology like real-time parking availability information. MoDOT is exploring the integration of smart parking systems that will allow drivers to use mobile apps to locate available spaces, reducing wasted time and fuel.

The economic benefits of this project are also substantial. By reducing congestion and improving freight flow, the I-70 expansion will enhance the efficiency of the supply chain, lowering costs for businesses and consumers. It will also create construction jobs and stimulate economic activity in the communities surrounding the parking facilities.

However, the project is not without its challenges. Land acquisition can be complex, and construction along a heavily traveled interstate like I-70 will require careful traffic management. MoDOT officials acknowledge the need for close coordination with local communities to minimize disruptions during the construction phase. Furthermore, maintaining the facilities after completion will require ongoing funding and diligent upkeep. The department is exploring public-private partnerships as a potential funding model for long-term maintenance.

"This is a win-win for everyone," Johnson reiterated. "It helps our truck drivers, it improves safety for all motorists, and it reduces congestion on our highways." While the complete project is expected to take several years, MoDOT is confident that the I-70 truck parking expansion will be a significant step towards addressing a critical infrastructure need and bolstering the nation's supply chain.