Facility Overview
The PennDOT Park & Ride at the US 30 and US 219 Interchange in the Boswell and Jenner Township area provides a vital, convenient parking nexus for Somerset County commuters and Laurel Highlands travelers. This open-air surface parking facility features approximately 55 clearly delineated parking stalls configured on level pavement. Because the lot is completely uncovered, there are zero overhead height clearance limits, making it exceptionally accommodating not only for standard sedans and compact cars, but also for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, work vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or ski carriers.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated right at the strategic crossroads of the Lincoln Highway (US Route 30) and the US Route 219 corridor, this facility serves as an ideal staging ground for carpooling, ridesharing, and regional exploration across Western Pennsylvania. Prominent local destinations and attractions within a short drive include:
- Jennerstown Speedway Complex: Located approximately 3 miles west via US 30, a popular destination for weekly short-track stock car racing and motorsports enthusiasts.
- Mountain Playhouse: One of Pennsylvania\'s historic summer stock theaters in neighboring Jennerstown, roughly 5 minutes away.
- Somerset Historical Center: A regional rural history museum located approximately 6 miles south along Route 219.
- Flight 93 National Memorial: Situated approximately 11 miles east along US 30, offering a scenic driving route for visitors paying respects at the national memorial.
- Laurel Mountain & Laurel Ridge State Parks: Accessible within 15 to 20 minutes to the west, offering world-class hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking along the Laurel Highlands trail network.
- Borough of Boswell: Just minutes north, offering local diners, convenience stores, and neighborhood services.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to the lot is remarkably straightforward via Alwine Road, immediately off the slip ramps connecting Main Street to both the US 219 dual-carriageway and the US 30 interchange. Ingress and egress lanes are wide with clear sightlines, minimizing delay even during weekday morning and evening commute hours. For regional transit and travel, US 219 offers direct, uninterrupted expressway access north toward Johnstown (approximately 15 miles) and south to Somerset and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76, approximately 10 miles). While fixed-route municipal rail is not present in rural Somerset County, the facility serves as a primary park-and-pool hub recognized by Commute PA and PennDOT for organized regional carpools, vanpools, and local commuter gatherings.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Free Commuter Parking: Open public parking with no parking meters or daily parking fees required for daily carpoolers.
- Open Surface Layout: Spacious drive aisles and stalls with no height restrictions, perfectly suited for large passenger trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
- ADA Accessible Spaces: Dedicated accessible parking bays clearly striped near the main vehicle approach.
- All-Weather Pavement: Fully paved asphalt surface with marked stalls and year-round maintenance managed by regional transport authorities.
- 24/7 Availability: Continuously accessible round the clock, allowing flexible departures and arrivals for shift workers and long-distance commuters.
Ideal For
- Daily Highway Commuters: Professionals commuting north to Greater Johnstown or south toward Somerset, Bedford, and the PA Turnpike corridor.
- Carpoolers and Vanpools: Group commuters seeking a centralized, easily navigable meeting spot right off major regional expressways.
- Laurel Highlands Outdoor Adventurers: Hikers, skiers, and cyclists consolidating into a single vehicle before heading into Laurel Hill, Laurel Mountain, or Forbes State Forest.
- Motorsports and Event Visitors: Race fans meeting up before Saturday night competitions at nearby Jennerstown Speedway.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Navigation Entry: When setting GPS directions, search for Alwine Road at the US 30 / US 219 interchange near Boswell / Jenner Township to ensure direct guidance to the lot\'s entrance ramp.
- Overnight Stays: While intended for daytime commuter parking, drivers intending multi-day stays should verify local township and PennDOT posted guidelines to avoid vehicle towing during winter snow removal operations.
- Winter Preparedness: Due to Laurel Highlands snowfall patterns, exercise extra caution when maneuvering during winter storms; plowing is regularly maintained by PennDOT, but sudden squalls are common along the mountain ridge.
- Lock and Conceal: As with any rural open lot, always remember to lock vehicle doors and keep all personal valuables concealed out of view.