Facility Overview

The Park and Ride at I-84 Exit 28 is a state-managed commuter surface parking facility located at 2125 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Connecticut Route 322) in the Plantsville village of Southington, Connecticut. Maintained directly by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), this dedicated open-air facility features approximately 105 clearly demarcated parking bays arranged across a paved, single-level footprint. Because it is completely open-air with no overhead barriers or parking deck overhangs, the facility features unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it an ideal stop for standard passenger cars, oversized SUVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks, high-roof commuter vans, and commercial vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated in central Connecticut directly alongside Interstate 84, this facility serves as an essential transit node connecting Greater Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, and the Greater Hartford metropolitan area. Within immediate driving and walking distance, motorists will find essential highway-adjacent conveniences and regional destinations:

• Mount Southington Ski Area: Located approximately 3 miles north (under 7 minutes by car), making this a convenient rendezvous and carpool staging area for winter sports enthusiasts.
• Historic Plantsville Village & Downtown Southington: Situated 2.5 miles northwest, featuring historic architecture, local dining spots, independent cafes, and craft breweries.
• Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: The Southington section of this premier multi-use paved trail is located just a short 5-minute drive away, widely popular with cyclists, runners, and walkers.
• Lake Compounce Theme Park: America\'s oldest continuously operating amusement park in nearby Bristol/Southington is just 6.5 miles away (roughly a 12-minute drive).
• Route 322 Commercial Corridor: Immediately adjacent to the lot are numerous fuel stations, convenience marts, coffee shops, and quick-service dining options perfect for morning commutes or evening returns.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Arriving at and departing from the lot is straightforward thanks to its placement immediately off Interstate 84 at Exit 28. Motorists traveling east or west on I-84 exit directly onto CT-322 (Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike), where wide curb cuts and dedicated turning lanes provide smooth ingress into the lot. Egress is regulated by nearby traffic signaling, facilitating safe merging back onto Route 322 and quick re-entry onto I-84 towards Hartford to the northeast or Waterbury and Danbury to the southwest. Additionally, regional bus connections operated via CTtransit and local paratransit serve the corridor, offering seamless transit connections for daily regional commuters.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 100% Free Commuter Parking: State-operated facility with no gate arms, no meters, and zero daily or overnight parking fees for commuters.
• Designated ADA Accessible Spaces: Dedicated accessible parking stalls located close to the lot entry point with level ground transitions.
• Zero Height Restrictions: Open-sky layout accommodating high-profile pickups, camper conversions, and roof-loaded vehicles without clearance concerns.
• Overnight Lighting: High-mast overhead pole lighting illuminates the lot throughout dusk, night, and early dawn hours.
• Wide Turning Radii: Generous driving aisles allow effortless maneuvers for long-wheelbase vehicles, work vans, and carpool SUVs.

Ideal For

• Daily Highway Commuters: Workers traveling along the I-84 corridor toward Hartford, Waterbury, or New Haven who meet colleagues to carpool or vanpool.
• Regional Transit Passengers: Commuters connecting with local and regional CTtransit scheduled bus routes.
• Event & Group Staging: Friends and family gathering in a single vehicle to attend concerts, games, or events in Hartford or New York.
• Outdoor & Ski Excursions: Winter recreation visitors meeting up before heading to Mount Southington Ski Area or local recreational trails.

Visitor & Driver Tips

As a state-managed commuter lot, spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. While the 105-car capacity accommodates typical commuter traffic comfortably, the lot tends to fill to near peak capacity between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM on standard weekdays; arriving before 7:15 AM guarantees a prime spot near the entrance. While overnight parking for carpoolers is standard practice, vehicles should always be securely locked with personal valuables, charging cords, and electronics stowed out of sight. During winter storms, CTDOT maintenance crews plow the lot, but drivers leaving vehicles during active snowfall should monitor local winter parking advisories.