Construction kicked off this week on a big project to expand truck parking at JFK Airport in Queens, New York.

Why it matters: The new plaza will triple the airport's truck parking spots by removing an old building, making room for up to 100 more trucks. This aims to help with the increased cargo loads at JFK and keep trucks from parking on neighborhood streets where it's not allowed.

• Truck parking in the nearby communities has been a big problem for years, with drivers often left with nowhere to legally park overnight.
• The expanded lot will add new restrooms and some food options for drivers.
• The project also plans to include electric charging stations, but diesel rigs will still have plenty of space.

Community reaction: Local leaders say residents have long complained about trucks getting ticketed or towed while parked near their homes. "We are grateful the airport will be tripling their truck parking lot at JFK, providing our truckers a safe space to leave their vehicles overnight," said Assembly member Khaleel Anderson.

• The Port Authority says this is part of a $20 billion JFK modernization effort, which will help keep cargo moving and answer local concerns about trucks in the streets.

Construction started August 5, 2025, and the expanded truck parking is set to open by late 2026, according to the Port Authority.