The federal government is channeling $4.2 billion into infrastructure upgrades, which will result in the creation of 260 new truck parking spaces. This funding is part of two significant discretionary grant programs, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, both enhanced by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared that this funding round will support 44 initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and economic growth. These projects encompass tasks such as bridge construction, port capacity expansion, and interchange redesigns.
Highlighted below are some key truck parking projects benefiting from this funding:
- Ohio Truck Parking Expansion Project: Allocated $17.9 million to repurpose two closed rest areas in Trumbull and Preble Counties into new truck parking facilities. The I-70 eastbound site near New Paris will offer 100 parking spaces, while the I-80 eastbound near Hubbard will provide 38 spaces. These will feature video surveillance and integrate with the Truck Parking Information Management System for real-time updates.
- I-43 Safety Rest Areas and Truck Parking Expansions, Wisconsin: With a $12.5 million investment, this project will revamp Rest Area 51 Maribel and Rest Area 52 Denmark facilities in Manitowoc County. Enhancements include new buildings, maintenance garages, and an increase of 72 truck parking spaces. The project also involves lighting updates, roadway reconstruction, and pavement improvements, aligning with the state’s Truck Parking Information Management System.
- I-80 East Lane Addition and Shoulder Widening, Nevada: This $275 million endeavor in Washoe County will widen I-80 between Vista Boulevard and USA Parkway, adding a lane each way, shoulder expansions, and 50 new truck parking spots.
Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “Lack of safe truck parking has been a top concern of truckers for decades, and as a truck driver, I can tell you firsthand that when truckers don’t have a safe place to park, we are put in a no-win situation. We must either continue to drive while fatigued or out of legal driving time, or park in an undesignated and unsafe location like the side of the road or abandoned lot. It forces truck drivers to make a choice between safety and following federal Hours-of-Service rules. OOIDA and the 150,000 small business truckers we represent thank Secretary Buttigieg and the Department for their increased focus on resolving an issue that has plagued our industry for decades.”
Source: Truckers News
