SANFORD, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administrator (FHWA) Sean McMaster and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (FMCSA) Derek Barrs joined Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue to break ground on five new truck parking expansion projects.
“Our truckers deserve a safe place to rest,” McMaster said. “Through Secretary Duffy’s Pro-Trucker package, Florida is able to expand and deliver dedicated parking spaces right where they are needed most—along the I-4 corridor, which has the highest unmet demand in the state. The Trump Administration is proud to stand with these dedicated, hardworking [people] by funding these commonsense safety solutions.”
Parking Shortage Crisis
According to the FHWA, the project is addressing the truck parking shortage and delivering much-needed relief for the millions of hardworking [people] who fuel the economy. About 40% of truckers spend over an hour a day searching for parking – costing the national economy billions in wasted time. It’s also a safety issue – forcing truckers to park in harm’s way.
Secretary Duffy delivered a $180 million INFRA grant for Florida to add 917 new truck parking spaces along the I-4 corridor, which carries 95% of the state’s consumer goods.
“Truck drivers shouldn’t have to choose between following the law and finding a safe place to park,” Barrs said. “These new parking spaces will help drivers get the rest they need, reduce dangerous roadside parking, and make one of Florida’s busiest freight corridors safer for everyone. This investment addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing truck drivers today while strengthening the safe and efficient movement of freight across Central Florida.”
The I-4 Project
“These new I-4 truck parking sites reflect a shared commitment to improving roadway safety, relieving congestion, and strengthening the supply chain,” Perdue said. “Florida is getting more out of every dollar by approaching these projects with a focus on innovation and smart delivery. That’s how our state turns opportunity into results.”
Construction will begin this summer on the first three sites in Seminole and Volusia counties, which are expected to be completed in mid-2027. Two additional sites in Osceola and Orange counties will begin construction in 2027.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
