Commercial truck drivers along Highway 402 near Sarnia can now take advantage of a new rest area.
The provincial government announced several projects at the beginning of the year as part of a five-year plan to support the movement of goods and improve highway infrastructure.
One of the projects listed included a new truck rest area along the westbound Hwy. 402, west of the Oil Heritage Road interchange. It was estimated to be completed this year and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) said the rest area opened the first week of August.
"This facility has parking for 13 tractor-trailer vehicles," said Lara Cantin, manager of policy and programs within the operations division of the MTO.
Initially, portable washrooms were not available last week at the rest area but the MTO confirmed Wednesday that those facilities are now in place.
Overall, truck rest stop area projects include upgrades to 14 existing truck stops across the province, building 10 new rest areas and adding 178 additional truck parking spaces at four existing OnRoute plazas.
Cantin said although the rest stop improvement projects are part of a five-year plan, truck parking is something that is regularly reviewed as plans evolve and needs change.