The Truck Parking Zone – August/September 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced more than $2.2 billion in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grants were awarded to 162 projects around the country. Millions of dollars from those grants are going toward truck parking.

Specifically, RAISE grants have been awarded to the following truck parking-related projects:

• $9 million to Caldwell County, Texas. The project will fund the design and construction of a commercial truck parking plaza in the northwest quadrant of state Highway 130 and the San Marcos Highway/state Highway 80 intersection. The plaza will include about 20 short-term and 100 long-term truck parking spaces. The project also will have entry/exit gate control, lighting, fencing, 24-hour monitored security, and a rest stop with restrooms, showers and other amenities.
• $10.5 million to Caldwell Parish, La. The project will fund the land acquisition and construction activities for a truck parking facility located near the inland Port of Columbia, Ouachita River and state Highway 165. This will include parking for about 50 commercial trucks and 100 cars, as well as 12 electric vehicle charging stations.
• $8.5 million to Wayne County, Mich. The project, dubbed the Truck Stop of the Future Initiative, will construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Redford, Mich., for Class 1-8 vehicles. The project will include multiple DC fast chargers, solar canopies and battery energy storage systems.

Maryland truck stop proposal goes to court

A developer wants to build a truck stop on Spielman Road near Williamsport, Md., but some residents are resisting. According to The Herald-Mail, the Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception to allow the truck stop. However, residents opposing the truck stop say they were left out of the decision-making process and have filed an appeal in a Washington County Circuit Court. If approved, the truck stop will offer 30 truck parking spaces.

Residents oppose truck parking project in New York

Syosset, N.Y., residents are opposing a proposed truck parking facility in the town, claiming the project will bring in too much traffic and noise. As proposed, the truck parking facility will have spots for 42 bobtails, 112 semi-trailers and 80 passenger vehicles, according to Newsday. As of press time, the planning board had not voted on the issue.

Wyoming town gives Love’s the green light

Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores is closer to getting a new location just east of Buffalo, Wyo. According to Sheridan Media, the Buffalo City Council approved of an infrastructure agreement between Love’s and the city. Buffalo is near the Interstate 90/25 interchange. It is not known how many truck parking spots are being proposed for the new location.

Love’s considering new location near I-35 Texas town

West, Texas, could be the spot of a new Love’s. Located about 20 miles north of Waco off of Interstate 35, West is considering annexing a location near city limits that Love’s is interested in. Based on a Waco Tribune-Herald report, the mayor of West and other local officials appear excited about the potential of a new truck stop. Fingers crossed that the residents agree.

Georgia town home to new Love’s

A small town in Georgia is getting a big truck stop. Love’s is currently building a new location in West Point, Ga. The 20-acre site is off Exit 2 on Interstate 85. The new Love’s location is slated to open in November. However, West Point Mayor Steve Tramell told the Valley Times-News it may open sooner than that.

More than 100 truck parking spaces coming to Nevada

The Eldorado Truck Stop and Travel Center will be open soon. Located off Interstate 11 in Henderson, Nev., the $25 million project is expected to include more than 100 new truck parking spaces. Plans for the new development feature a 12,000-square-foot travel center that will include showers, food and beverage options, fuel stations and truck washing facilities. The new truck stop was expected to open in August of this year.

NIMBYs shooting down Road Ranger proposal in Wisconsin

Road Ranger wants to build its largest truck stop in Raymond, Wis. However, some Raymond residents want nothing to do with it. Located about 20 miles south of Milwaukee on Interstate 94, Raymond city leaders voted 3-2 against rezoning and permitting for the truck stop. Despite the setback, Road Ranger representatives are still communicating with city leaders.

Truck parking made more difficult in Joliet

The city of Joliet, Ill., has been mentioned many times in The Parking Zone over the years. Notorious for its anti-truck parking policy, truckers have to get creative in Joliet, including parking on private lots. Not anymore. The city council voted unanimously to establish a new ordinance requiring private property to have a permit that allows for tractor-trailer parking. The days of parking at random, abandoned lots are now gone unless the lot received a permit allowing for truck parking.

New locations from the Big Three

The below list is the newest locations of the Big Three truck stops (Love’s, Pilot and TravelCenters of America).

• TA Express at 500 I-45 (off Interstate 45, Exit 118) in Huntsville, Texas (90 truck parking spaces).
• Love’s at 100 E Cardinal Way Ste. A (off Interstate 70, Exit 75/CR-215) in Parachute, Colo. (50 spaces). LL