A Collaborative Effort

This research was conducted in partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), which represents all 50 state Departments of Transportation, as well as those in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Shayne Gill, Program Director for Multimodal Transportation at AASHTO, stated, “State DOTs strive to deliver the most safe, effective, and efficient transportation network possible; as a result, they continue to pursue a wide range of investments that enhance the nation’s multimodal freight system. Addressing truck parking needs across the country is one of those investments crucial to ensuring we maximize the benefits our highway system provides. American quality of life and economic mobility depend in large part on the quality and vibrancy of our transportation infrastructure to connect people as well as goods to their destinations safely. And adequate truck parking is key to ensuring we achieve those goals.”

The Ongoing Truck Parking Shortage

The shortage of truck parking continues to be a major concern for the industry, gaining attention from both federal and state authorities. Current estimates suggest only one truck parking space is available for every 11 truck drivers nationwide.

To better understand the situation, ATRI and AASHTO conducted a survey addressing the costs and requirements associated with creating public truck parking spaces. The research analyzed factors such as land acquisition, construction costs, maintenance budgets, and amenities offered to truck drivers. On average, public rest areas provide just 19 truck parking spaces, with Southern states offering 25 spaces per rest area and Northeastern states averaging only 15 spaces.

Insights from Case Studies

The research also includes case studies examining specific states’ innovative efforts to improve truck parking options. Key topics covered within these studies include:

• Implementation of truck parking information systems.

• Repurposing state-owned properties to create new parking spaces.

• Provisions for truck parking during severe weather conditions.

These case studies were informed by feedback from over 500 truck drivers, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific measures and policies.

State-by-State Truck Parking Dashboard

Drawing on data from the survey, ATRI developed a public truck parking dashboard that evaluates each state’s current parking capacity. The dashboard also highlights the availability of amenities and safety measures at rest areas, with metrics tailored according to state size, road mileage, and proximity to major freight routes. Truck parking data from 47 participating DOTs is accessible online through ATRI’s website.

Alix Miller, CEO and president of the Florida Trucking Association, emphasized the importance of this research, saying, “ATRI’s research underscores the importance of public sector truck parking and provides multiple tools for states to evaluate their progress in meeting this critical industry need. We applaud FDOT for their commitment to expanding truck parking capacity, and our association is committed to continued collaboration to improve freight safety and mobility in the state of Florida.”

Access the Full Report

If you’re interested in deeper insights or want to explore the state-by-state truck parking assessments, the full report and dashboard are available here.

Source: The Trucker

The post ATRI Study Explores Solutions for Public Truck Parking Shortages appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

PennDOT received the prestigious Grand Prize for its swift actions on the I-95/Cottman Avenue Emergency Response project. WVDOT’s innovative Wellsburg Bridge project won the People’s Choice Award, recognized for bridging the gap between communities that had long been disconnected.

“We are incredibly proud of the two winning projects, which demonstrate how both states respond to their residents’ needs, whether through emergency repairs or reconnecting communities,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

PennDOT was tested in June 2023, when a devastating fire, sparked by a fuel tanker accident, shut down a crucial stretch of I-95 in Philadelphia—a major north-south corridor. In just 12 days, PennDOT’s $4.5 million project team created a temporary wall and roadway to restore this essential route, providing a swift solution to an unexpected challenge.

The $168 million Wellsburg Bridge project by WVDOT restored a long-needed link between Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia. Before the bridge, the communities were connected only by a ferry service, which had since ceased. This project shortened travel times by eliminating a 30-minute detour and maintained barge traffic flow on the river throughout construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards honor state transportation projects that make a positive impact on local communities nationwide. This year’s program saw 106 nominations from 39 states.

Both winning projects were awarded $10,000, which recipients can donate to a charity or a scholarship related to transportation.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ASHTO

The post I-95 Emergency Repairs in Pennsylvania Honored with Top Transportation Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Attendees can expect to see demonstrations of cutting-edge safety equipment, including green-light vehicles, Lane Blade devices, and Gator Getters. Furthermore, ARDOT’s Mobile Work Zone Memorial will be on display, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of work zone safety.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed annually each spring, kicks off construction season by promoting safe driving practices in highway work zones nationwide. This year, the campaign will run from April 15 to April 19.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has also shown her support by signing a state proclamation designating April 15 to April 19, 2024 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Arkansas. To mark the occasion, bridges and buildings in the central Arkansas area will be illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity for work zone safety.

Key industry partners, including the Arkansas Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association, the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, and the Federal Highway Administration, bolster ARDOT’s efforts.

The National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign, initially launched by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), underscores the collective commitment to prioritizing safety in work zones across the country.

Source: The Trucker

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