222 Truck Stop closed

The Ephrata, Pa., Milestone Restaurant and 222 Truck Stop closed May 31 and will be demolished, said Ephrata police officer B.F. Dell Isola.

Parking is prohibited at the former truck stop beginning June 1, Dell Isola said.

Planned for the truck stop is 222 Commons, according to Ephrata Township Supervisor records. The regional chain Sheetz will build a convenience store and fuel station, which could offer diesel. Supervisors anticipate at least one other store and a restaurant at 222 Commons. Friendly’s, the eastern U.S. restaurant chain specializing in ice cream, had discussed opening there.

Parking at the city’s Wal-Mart isn’t an alternative. Employees report trucks parked in their lot to police, even if drivers park while shopping at the store. More than a year ago, Wal-Mart employees began calling police because management said trucks had knocked over parking lot light fixtures.

Dell Isola said he did not know of another Ephrata location offering truck parking.

The nearest truck stop is Martin’s Trailside Express, located more than 7 miles southeast of the 222 Commons in East Earl. The family-owned truck stop and restaurant, off of U.S. 322, is open 4 p.m. Sunday to 11 p.m. Saturday.  More information is available at www.trailsideexpress.com or by calling (717) 354-9486.