The Missouri Department of Transportation hosted an informational meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Wright City Middle School to discuss a project to expand and improve truck parking along Interstate 70, specifically with respect to rest areas throughout the state.

According to Improve I-70 Program Director Eric Kopinski, the purpose of the meeting was to allow the public to provide feedback regarding the project.

The project includes approximately $30 million in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant funds designed to expand the availability of truck parking along the I-70 corridor, according to information provided during the meeting,The project specifically is focused on existing truck parking locations in Wright City, Mineola, Odessa, Concordia and Boonville.

Projects in Mineola and Wright City rest areas are currently in the design and procurement phases with construction on both projects to begin in the fall of 2026, with completion scheduled for December 2028.

Kopinski said that MoDOT is seeking input not only from the public, but also from the private sector. Kopinski said trucking companies are continuing to grow and they need additional public and private parking options. Kopinski said current parking along I-70 is insufficient.

According to documents presented during the meeting, there is a shortage of between 10 and 49 spaces in truck parking at both rest stops in Wright City and Mineola during peak hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Kopinski said there are currently 20 truck parking places on the eastbound I-70 rest area in Wright City and 18 places on the westbound rest area. In Mineola there are currently 29 parking places on the eastbound I-70 rest area and 64 at the westbound rest area.

Kopinski said the exact number of additional spaces to be added to the rest areas along I-70 has not yet been determined, but will be decided after additional input. He said MoDOT will use the existing footprints of MoDOT property along the interstate with no intention of taking additional private property to perform the work.

One of the primary goals is to get semi-trucks off of the interstate. He noted there have been serious crashes in Kansas and Illinois with trucks parking along the interstate, but none so far along I-70 in Missouri.

Those interested in providing comments regarding the project will have until Feb. 27 and may provide their comments at www.modot.org/projects/improvei70/truckparking.