​Project Will Increase Truck Parking By More Than 50% at Welcome Center, Support Maryland Economy and Supply Chain Needs 

(September 19, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning construction on a project to expand the number of parking spaces for tractor trailers and large vehicles at the I-70 (Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway) South Mountain Welcome Center near Myersville, Frederick County. The $8.1 million project will add a total of 25 new parking spaces: 15 spaces, including four parallel spaces, at the eastbound I-70 rest area and 10 new spaces, including five parallel spaces, at the westbound I-70 rest area.

Currently, the South Mountain Welcome Center’s truck rest areas on eastbound and westbound I-70 have a combined 49 spaces. That number will increase by more than 50% to 74 spaces when this project is completed at the end of 2025. Learn more about the project here.

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America is facing an increasing shortage of truck parking, according to studies by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The lack of safe and accessible facilities for commercial vehicles and drivers is a significant challenge for every state. Inadequate truck parking can result in trucks parked in unsafe locations and drivers operating beyond their hours of service.

The Maryland Department of Transportation conducted a review of its facilities statewide in 2020. The results found the I-70 South Mountain Welcome Center has the highest proportion of trucks parked more than eight hours in Maryland and is often at capacity in the truck rest areas. Learn more about this study here​. 

The State Highway Administration works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as customers. Motorists are asked to stay alert, stay focused and be aware of reduced speed limits and changing driving patterns. Slow down and move over in work zones. It’s the law. 

​Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.  

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to Project Portal, or visit the homepage at roa​ds.maryland.​gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.mary​land.gov.