Facility Overview

Smithton Truck & Auto Plaza is a full-service, multi-acre travel plaza and parking destination situated at 138 Motordrome Road in Smithton, Pennsylvania. Located in Westmoreland County’s South Huntingdon Township right alongside the busy Interstate 70 corridor, the plaza operates as a dedicated open-air surface parking facility designed to serve both commercial motor carriers and standard passenger motorists. The grounds feature a wide, open-format layout engineered specifically to eliminate tight turning radii, offering effortless maneuvering for the largest highway vehicles. Because it is a completely open surface lot, there are zero overhead clearance restrictions or parking garage height limits, providing infinite vertical clearance suitable for standard passenger vehicles, heavy-duty dually pickup trucks, extended SUVs, oversized motorhomes (RVs), fifth wheels, box trucks, high-roof cargo vans, and full 53-foot tractor-trailers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically placed at Exit 49 on Interstate 70, Smithton Truck & Auto Plaza offers quick, reliable parking for cross-state road trippers, freight operators, and local visitors exploring the Youghiogheny River Valley and Laurel Highlands region:

• Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) & Youghiogheny River: Located less than 2 miles west into downtown Smithton, outdoor enthusiasts can access river paddling launches via Float Smithton and connect with the world-renowned Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail for scenic long-distance bicycling and hiking.
• Cedar Creek Park: Located roughly 5 miles away along the river in Rostraver Township, this sprawling county park features riverfront trails, boat launches, dog parks, and picnic pavilions.
• Historic Motordrome Speedway Grounds: Adjacent to the plaza along Motordrome Road lies the historic site of the beloved Motordrome Speedway, a landmark known for decades to regional NASCAR and stock car racing enthusiasts.
• Critter Country Animal Farm: Situated just a short 5-minute drive (under 3 miles) north, this popular seasonal family attraction showcases over 200 exotic and domestic animals.
• Rostraver & Belle Vernon Retail Corridor: A quick 10-minute drive westward along I-70 leads into the bustling commercial district along Route 51, providing fast access to regional shopping centers, big-box retailers, and expanded dining options.
• New Stanton Transportation Hub: Positioned only 9 miles east along I-70, connecting drivers seamlessly to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and central Westmoreland logistics centers.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to Smithton Truck & Auto Plaza is exceptionally straightforward directly off I-70 at Exit 49 (Smithton / PA-981). The facility features wide, curb-free entrance aprons along Motordrome Road that allow heavy commercial vehicles and large towing combinations to pull in and depart without navigating complex choke points or restrictive traffic lanes. Egress back onto I-70 eastbound and westbound is direct, minimizing downtime for route drivers. While the area is inherently highway-centric with no immediate municipal subway or fixed-rail commuter transit, regional Westmoreland County transit connections and rideshare services (such as Uber and Lyft) operate throughout the corridor. The location also serves as an outstanding vehicle staging area and meeting point for travelers traversing between Pittsburgh, Washington, PA, and the Laurel Highlands.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive Open-Air Surface Parking: More than 100 dedicated spaces accommodating 18-wheelers, motorhomes, and passenger vehicles with unhindered vertical clearance.
• 24/7 Operations: Lit and accessible around the clock, 365 days a year, providing safe overnight parking and rest stops.
• On-Site Fuel & Commercial Pumping: Multiple high-flow diesel bays for heavy rigs alongside separate unleaded gasoline fuel islands for passenger autos.
• Full-Service Truck Care & Repair: On-site commercial maintenance through Boss Truck Shop offering routine tire services, roadside fixes, and heavy-vehicle mechanics.
• Certified CAT Scale: On-property certified vehicle weigh station for freight haulers and heavy loads.
• The Pitt Stop Cafe & Convenience Store: On-site sit-down dining, grab-and-go snacks, hot coffee, cold beverages, and travel essentials.
• Driver Conveniences: Well-maintained indoor restrooms, private hot shower facilities for long-haul drivers, on-site ATM, and pet-friendly relief areas.
• Complimentary Patron Parking: Free standard parking privileges provided for patron motorists, dining guests, and resting commercial haulers.

Ideal For

• Commercial Truck & Freight Drivers: Long-haul OTR truckers seeking an easy-access, 24-hour haven off I-70 with showers, CAT scales, and dedicated repair bays.
• RV Campers & Road Trippers: Cross-country recreational vehicles requiring generous turning radius, unlimited overhead height, fuel, and supplies.
• Great Allegheny Passage Trail Users & Paddlers: Cyclists, kayakers, and outdoor travelers looking for a convenient highway rendezvous point near Smithton access points.
• Regional Commuters & Work Crews: Contractors and utility fleets operating throughout Westmoreland and Fayette counties needing reliable vehicle meetups.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When approaching via Interstate 70, take Exit 49 and follow signs onto Motordrome Road; the entrance is visible almost immediately off the ramp. Standard passenger autos should follow designated lanes toward the convenience store and cafe front lot, keeping the rear lot clear for tractor-trailers, oversized haulers, and RV maneuvering. Overnight commercial truck parking fills up during the late evening hours (typically between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM on weekdays), so professional drivers are encouraged to arrive early to claim optimal spots. Those pulling trailers should exercise standard caution around heavy diesel islands during peak freight transit hours.