It’s not just the trucking industry that will benefit from the addition of 77 new truck parking spaces at Lawn Service Plaza – turnpike officials say that public safety is at the core of the expansion.
The truck parking spaces are expected to be available for use as early as Monday, Nov. 25, according to a Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) spokesperson.
The need for truck parking spaces has grown significantly over the past decade, with a nationwide increase in trucking and more stringent federal regulations limiting the amount of hours truck drivers can drive as the two main drivers behind the increase in demand.
Lebanon County has also seen a significant increase in warehouse facilities operating locally, bringing more truck traffic into the area. These facilities are also a main reason why Lebanon County saw the state’s greatest growth as a percentage of population last year.
Read More: Lebanon was Pennsylvania’s fastest growing county last year
Because tuck drivers are stopping for longer periods, they’ve had to resort to parking along shoulders and wide areas on the turnpike – a safety concern, according to turnpike officials.
“Since truck drivers are a big customer on the turnpike, we’re trying to accommodate them to keep them traveling on the turnpike,” said PTC engineer/project manager Wendell Livengood.
Although no stationary idle reduction systems have been added at this point, the lot will feature fencing, seeding, and lighting to make it a safe and accessible destination for drivers looking to rest between stints behind the wheel. The service plaza is open 24/7.
Construction was handled by Camp Hill-based Hempt Bros.
See the full drone photo below, courtesy of the PTC.
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