A striking new $37 million truck parking facility has opened on Interstate 65 in Boone County near mile marker 148, aiming to address a long-standing shortage of safe resting spots for movers of America’s freight. The sleek installation—featuring dedicated restroom facilities—has been unveiled by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in response to growing demand from the trucking industry.
What’s New
- The new facilities—situated on both the northbound and southbound sides of I‑65—offer 150 total semitruck parking spaces, along with restroom facilities geared for drivers on the road.
- INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist praised the addition as “progress toward helping alleviate parking shortages faced by the freight and logistics industries” in Indiana.
- Transportation Secretary Matt Ubelhor said the project aligns with a broader plan to nearly double existing truck parking capacity statewide, adding more than 1,200 total spaces over the next several years.
Bigger Picture: Indiana’s Infrastructure Push
- This project is part of INDOT’s 10-year rest area and welcome center improvement plan, aiming to inject over $600 million into upgrades across 21 rest areas, welcome centers, and truck parking facilities by the end of FY 2034.
- The truck parking site in Boone County is the “second and third” such facility to open under the plan—reflecting growing momentum to boost infrastructure for the state’s commercial drivers.
Drivers and Safety
- Insufficient truck parking has long created safety concerns, including illegal overnight parking near exit ramps and unauthorized stops on road shoulders.
- With 150 new semitruck spots, the facility provides a regulated and convenient location for drivers to rest, potentially reducing dangerous roadside stoppages.
Why This Matters
- For truck drivers: Fewer long stretches with no legal parking boosts safety and reduces stress on open-road conditions.
- For local communities: Fewer illegally parked rigs improve visibility at intersections, lessen congestion and keep the roadway safer for all.
- For the state: This signals a renewed investment in critical infrastructure supporting Indiana’s role as a transportation and logistics hub.
Bottom Line: Indiana is making a major push to modernize its roadside infrastructure. The new Lebanon truck parking center—rich in amenities and ready to serve drivers around the clock—is a noteworthy milestone. As more such projects roll out through 2034, the state is setting itself up for safer, more efficient travel for millions of motorists and professional drivers alike.