This closure is part of a modernization and reconstruction project led by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. The initiative includes a complete overhaul of the Stroud service plaza, with updates to the McDonald’s and Love’s Travel Stop facilities. While parking will be unavailable during construction, food, fuel, and restroom amenities will still be accessible on site.

Once renovations are complete, the service area will provide more than 150 truck parking spaces—a significant increase of 50 spaces. This improvement was detailed in a report from The Oklahoman.

For now, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority advises truck drivers to plan ahead and secure alternative parking solutions for long-haul stops.

Meanwhile, a separate $38.5 million project will realign westbound lanes of the Turner Turnpike. Expected to finish in early 2026, this construction aligns with the other ongoing road updates in the area.

Lane Reductions and Restrictions on I-24 Bridge

Truck and passenger vehicles traveling across the I-24 bridge spanning the Ohio River—between Paducah, Kentucky, and Metropolis, Illinois—should prepare for significant lane reductions beginning Monday, March 3.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has confirmed that the bridge will be limited to a single lane in each direction to accommodate infrastructure upgrades. Planned improvements include a new deck overlay, expansion joint replacements, and structural steel repairs. Temporary concrete barriers will also be installed along the centerline.

Further restrictions come into play for heavy and oversized vehicles. The bridge will have a 15-ton weight limit and will remain closed to truck traffic altogether. Height and width limits will also apply, barring vehicles wider than 8 feet or taller than 9 feet, 6 inches.

Motorists are encouraged to consider alternate state routes to avoid congestion, particularly during rush hours.

According to IDOT, these lane restrictions will remain in effect until mid-October 2025. Additional updates regarding further traffic limitations are expected to follow. Completion of the $38 million bridge enhancement project is anticipated by 2027.

Source: Land Line

The post Stroud Service Plaza Truck Parking Closure on Turner Turnpike appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for individuals who are looking to break into the transportation industry,” expressed Ressie Hall, the operations director for workforce solutions at the college. “Our new evening CDL class will allow students to pursue their dreams without disrupting their current daytime obligations. We look forward to helping our students succeed and thrive in their future careers.”

Gateway celebrated the graduation of 1,360 students in May from a wide range of programs, with many earning multiple certifications. The college serves the community through its locations in Boone County, Covington, and Edgewood.

Starting August 26, the inaugural evening CDL classes for Class A licenses will commence, running until October 16. Sessions will be held from Monday to Thursday, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Gateway’s Transportation and Technology Center located in Fort Wright, which also provides automotive and diesel technology training.

The cost for the CDL course is $4,500, encompassing a U.S. Department of Transportation physical, drug screening, and an online entry-level driver training theory course. Financial assistance can be sought through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, with additional support potentially available through the Kentucky Career Center for those who qualify.

With limited seats available, enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the registration deadline is August 5. This course welcomes both individuals aiming for a career in truck driving and businesses looking to train their staff.

Prospective students must meet certain prerequisites, including the ability to read and write English, a minimum age of 18, a valid Kentucky driver’s license, adherence to federal DOT physical standards, and either U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or non-domicile residency with work authorization.

Key deadlines on August 26 require students to complete their online ELDT theory course and obtain a Kentucky CDL learner’s permit before the start of classes. The four-week course will commence twice each month, except for December, and is designed for those with minimal to no commercial driving experience.

Kentucky employs nearly 84,000 heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers, with an average yearly salary of $37,735.

The state has been proactive in encouraging more individuals to consider careers in truck driving. Last year, Governor Andy Beshear enacted legislation simplifying the process for attracting truck drivers to Kentucky. CDL applicants with a nonresident operator’s license and a commercial driver instruction permit can now take the CDL skills test within the state.

Source: Transport Topics

The post Gateway Community & Technical College Launches Nighttime CDL Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Among the recent improvements, two sites now offer truck wash services. These enhancements have introduced five new service bays, four truck wash bays, and three additional service trucks to Love’s extensive maintenance network nationwide.

Here’s a look at the new and upgraded locations next to Love’s Travel Stops:

• Salinas, California (new)

• Calvert City, Kentucky (upgraded)

• Wells, Nevada (upgraded)

• Sidney, Ohio (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Columbia, Tennessee (upgraded with added truck wash)

• Ranger, Texas (rebuilt)

These facilities provide a range of services, including tire replacement, lube services, light mechanical repairs, and roadside assistance, all at competitive prices. Love’s Truck Care and Speedco also serve as the exclusive warranty repair and recall service provider for Freightliner and International trucks.

With over 430 locations across the United States, Love’s Truck Care and Speedco boast more than 1,300 service bays and a fleet of 900 roadside service trucks, ensuring professional drivers and fleets receive top-notch care wherever they go.

Source: Truckers News

The post Love’s Expands Truck Care Services in Salinas, CA and Beyond appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The new PGT Ghent facility, situated at 3738 Highway US 42 West, spans five acres and includes ample truck parking along with a brand-new building that houses an operations center, driver lounge, and showers. Its proximity to major steel and building product customers enhances PGT’s service capabilities in the region. This facility is managed by PKM Transportation Services, LLC.

Located at 615 Simuel Road, PGT Spartanburg offers office space, a driver lounge, on-site parking, and a maintenance facility. This terminal enables PGT to provide improved port delivery services, ensuring the secure and timely transportation of international cargo while supporting their dedicated fleet of professional drivers in the Southeast.

“PGT Trucking continues to grow our operation across the United States, solidifying our company as a premier leader in flatbed transportation solutions,” said Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking President. “PGT remains committed to our customers, providing innovative services through the Future of Flatbed®, and to our drivers, securing their financial future with consistent freight. PGT Ghent and PGT Spartanburg will help us deliver on those promises.”

Source: Truckers News

Photo: PGT Trucking

The post PGT Trucking Expands with New Terminals in Kentucky and South Carolina appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Initially passed by the state’s House and Senate, HB 7 encountered resistance from Gov. Beshear. Nevertheless, the legislation now paves the way for the regulatory approval of fully autonomous vehicles, provided they meet specific criteria.

In vetoing the bill, Beshear said, “[it] does not fully address questions about the safety and security of autonomous vehicles, nor does it implement a testing period that would require a licensed human driver to be behind the wheel” for passenger vehicles.

One notable stipulation of the bill is the requirement for a testing period with a human driver present for trucks weighing over 62,000 pounds and any towed units until July 31, 2026.

“Opening Kentucky’s highways and roads to fully autonomous vehicles should occur only after careful study and consideration and an extensive testing period with a licensed human being behind the wheel, which is what other states have done before passing such law,” Beshear said.

The decision to override the governor’s veto was not without contention. The Kentucky House voted 58-40 in favor of overriding the veto, while the state Senate followed suit with a vote of 21-15. This outcome signifies a clear divergence of opinions on the matter within the state’s legislative bodies.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Veto of Autonomous Vehicle Bill Overridden in Kentucky appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices concerns over the potential repercussions of such legislation, emphasizing the adverse impact on truckers and the safety of road users.

“When I read this bill, one thing comes to my mind, and that’s arbitrary and capricious,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

The OOIDA argues that while the intentions behind these measures may be well-meaning, they present significant challenges for truck drivers and could compromise overall safety.

Colorado is currently considering SB100, spearheaded by Sen. Dylan Roberts, which seeks to prohibit large commercial vehicles from utilizing the left lane on Interstate 70, except for passing slower vehicles. Advocates contend that these measures, including enforcement of truck speed limits, are vital for enhancing safety. However, Doug Morris of OOIDA disputes the necessity of such legislation, citing a lack of evidence linking truck presence in the left lane to increased accidents.

In Kentucky, SB107 aims to restrict trucks from the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes, with exceptions for specific situations like entering or exiting the highway. Despite unanimous Senate support, concerns persist among professional drivers regarding enforcement challenges and potential safety implications.

Michigan’s HB5304 addresses left lane usage on freeways, clarifying that large trucks are prohibited from the far-left lane, aligning with existing statutes. While proponents argue for improved safety and traffic flow, the Michigan Department of Transportation acknowledges flaws in current laws but refrains from taking a stance on the bill.

Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie, said that the Michigan DOT can only make recommendations, emphasizing that this is the case with road signs that direct drivers to stay right unless to pass.

“This (bill) would clarify this so MDOT could actually restrict the heavy traffic to remain in the right two lanes,” Bruck said. “It’s a commonsense issue. There’s less safety when people are passing on the right. For the ease of travel, we would like to open up the left-most lane for that faster traffic and make it safer in the process.”

Meanwhile, similar initiatives are underway in other states like Florida, Iowa, and Oklahoma, where lawmakers are considering broader left lane regulations affecting all vehicles. These efforts aim to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety on highways, though concerns regarding enforcement and practical implementation remain prevalent.

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, spoke on the real point of the bill.

“It simply provides that the left lane is for passing only, with some commonsense exceptions,” she said.

Rep. Mike Klimesh, R-Winneshiek, called attention to the work this bill would do to improve traffic flow.

“Basically, this bill is an effort to prevent left-lane camping on multi-lane highways and improve traffic flow,” he said.

Overall, the ongoing legislative efforts reflect a broader push to address left lane usage, with implications for both truckers and general motorists, as states seek to balance safety concerns with efficient traffic management.

Source: Land Line

The post Six States Reassess Left Lane Use in New Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In line with TA’s strategic network growth plan, this latest addition aligns with bp’s existing convenience and mobility business, promising a seamless nationwide experience for all travelers, whether on the interstate or off.

Debi Boffa, CEO of TravelCenters of America, expresses enthusiasm about this accomplishment, stating, “Celebrating this achievement is very exciting for both our team members and guests, and we are committed to continued growth and innovation to provide an outstanding experience for all travelers who visit us.”

The newly rebuilt Walton, Kentucky, travel center, located at 145 Richwood Road, boasts an array of amenities designed to enhance the traveler’s experience including:

• A store offering hot and cold beverages, snacks, and merchandise
• A convenience store with a variety of hot and cold beverages, snacks, and merchandise
• Dining options including HWY Kitchen and KFC
• 6 diesel fueling positions with DEF available at every pump
• 12 bp gas positions
• Ample parking space with 60 truck parking spaces and 48 car parking spaces (RV parking also available)
• TA Truck Service Center featuring four bays
• Emergency roadside assistance services
• Six showers
• Laundry facilities
• CAT scales
• A drivers’ lounge
• Pet area

To mark the opening of the Walton, Kentucky, TA location, the company is making a generous donation of $2,500 to the Freestore Foodbank of Cincinnati, the largest emergency food and services provider in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.

As part of the grand opening celebration, TA is rewarding 3,000 professional drivers with double fuel points when using the UltraONE Loyalty program. Additionally, all TA customers have the chance to participate in an Instagram contest for an opportunity to win one of 30 $100 bp gift cards.

Acquired by bp in May 2023, adding approximately 290 sites to bp’s U.S. network, TA is gearing up for an ambitious 2024. The company plans to open 20 new locations and has outlined the following strategic initiatives for the year:

• The addition of 1,600 new truck parking spaces
• The installation of biodiesel blending infrastructure and bp Pulse EV charging stations at select sites nationwide
• Enhancements to guest touchpoints through improved store layouts and new benefits added to its loyalty program
• Upgrades to TA Truck Service mobile maintenance and emergency roadside assistance vehicles, ensuring better service for fleet customers and professional drivers

TA’s commitment to growth, innovation, and providing an exceptional experience for travelers underscores its position as a leader in the travel center industry.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Travel Centers of America

The post Milestone Celebration: TA’s 300th Travel Center Unveils Exciting Features in Walton, Kentucky appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Despite successfully passing the Kentucky House with a 61-31 vote, the bill underwent a significant amendment. This modification introduced a crucial requirement stipulating the presence of a human operator inside any fully autonomous vehicle “for which the declared gross weight of the vehicle and any towed unit is more than 62,000 pounds” until July 31, 2026. The operator would be responsible for “monitoring the performance of the vehicle and intervening if necessary.”

This particular provision garnered opposition from various groups, including members of the Teamsters Union, police officers, firefighters, and others. In response to the amendment, these stakeholders collectively assembled at the state capitol in Frankfort on Thursday, urging Kentucky senators to vote against the bill.

The opposition group, composed of Teamsters union members, police officers, and firefighters, emphasized their concerns about the amended requirement for a human operator within fully autonomous vehicles. They argued that such a mandate could hinder the potential benefits and advancements associated with autonomous technology.

“We cannot let California’s Big Tech write laws for our state. Lawmakers need to pass legislation that’s by and for Kentucky residents,” said Fred Zuckerman, Teamsters general secretary-treasurer. “Senators need to preserve good union jobs, safe streets, and the will of the people by stopping this bill dead in its tracks.”

The gathering at the state capitol served as a unified effort to express dissent and encourage Kentucky senators to reject the bill in its current form. The ongoing debate reflects the complex intersection of technological innovation, regulatory considerations, and the broader societal implications of autonomous vehicle integration.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Kentucky’s Autonomous Truck Bill Receives Opposition from Teamsters appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet disclosed that the implementation of cutting-edge technologies will commence this summer as part of the wrong-way pilot program, initially focusing on select Interstate 75 ramps in Fayette County. Subsequently, additional ramps in Fayette and Jefferson counties will be equipped with similar wrong-way prevention technology in the coming fall, according to the Transportation Cabinet.

The chosen sites for the wrong-way program include:

• Fayette County: New Circle Road/Kentucky Highway 4 from Newtown Pike to Richmond Road
• Fayette County: I-75/I-64 from Newtown Pike to the Southern Split
• Fayette County: I-75 from the Southern Split to Clays Ferry Bridge
• Jefferson County: I-264 from I-64 to I-65
• Jefferson County: I-64 from the Ohio River to Pee Wee Reese Road
• Jefferson County: I-65 from the Ohio River to Kentucky Highway 1065 (Outer Loop)

“Wrong-way driving is a major safety issue that can lead to devastating consequences,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “This work will help us keep more Kentucky families safe on our roadways.”

Stansell Electric has been designated as the prime contractor, with Parsons Engineering serving as the lead designer for the “Wrong-Way Driving and Integrated Safety Technology System,” as per a KYTC news release. The system aims to deter wrong-way incidents by alerting the errant driver, as well as other motorists and emergency responders. The technology integrates existing digital and roadway signage with additional signs, cameras, sensors, and other equipment, capable of detecting pedestrian safety concerns, debris, and stalled vehicles.

“Improving highway safety is a core focus of this administration, and we’re pleased to pilot the latest in technological advancements to help prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways,” said Jim Gray, Kentucky transportation cabinet secretary. “While innovative solutions can be part of the answer to curbing these incidents, it can never replace the need for drivers to make safe driving decisions.”

The decision to implement this initiative was influenced by a concerning history of 191 crashes involving wrong-way driving on the state’s interstates and parkways between 2015 and 2023, resulting in 55 fatalities and 76 serious injuries, as reported by the KYTC.

The selection of sites in Fayette and Jefferson counties was based on the history of wrong-way crashes and ramp design considerations. The project is funded by a $5.14 million federal grant through the Advanced Transportation and Congestions Management Technologies Deployment program, supplemented by a state match.

Source: Land Line

The post Wrong Way Project Testing in Kentucky Planned for Summer 2024 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

California

In the Golden State, efforts to regulate autonomous trucks are back on the legislative table. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry reintroduced AB2286, a bill identical to the 2023 version. The bill aims to prohibit the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds without a human safety operator present. The governor’s previous veto emphasized reliance on existing regulations from a 2012 state law.

Florida

Senator Victor Torres is steering legislation in Florida to establish rules for autonomous trucks on roadways. Under SB1580, a licensed human operator must be physically present in fully autonomous vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds while transporting goods or passengers on public roads.

Indiana

Indiana is considering two bills (HB1022 and SB57) to address autonomous trucks, specifically in automated vehicle platoons. These bills specify that a human operator must be physically present in autonomous tractor-trailers on highways for the transportation of passengers or goods. Operators are required to meet both state and federal qualifications for vehicle operation.

Iowa

Senator Zach Wahls introduced SF2218 in Iowa, addressing the operation of autonomous trucks for commercial purposes. The bill mandates a conventional driver’s physical presence in driverless-capable vehicles, holding a valid driver’s license and required endorsements.

Kentucky

Kentucky is revisiting truck platooning legislation with HB7. This bill amends the requirement for human drivers in platoons, allowing only the lead vehicle to have a human driver behind the wheel. The previous attempt faced a veto due to safety concerns.

New York

In the Empire State, two bills cover the operation of autonomous trucks. Senator Pete Harckham’s bill (S7758) requires operators to accompany trucks with autonomous technology weighing over 10,000 pounds. The bills are currently under committee review in the Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation Committee.

The debate over autonomous trucking continues, with advocates highlighting benefits such as fuel savings, reduced congestion, and improved safety through platooning. Critics, including motorcyclists, express concerns about the interaction between automated and traditional vehicles on roadways and question the feasibility of widespread technology adoption. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association acknowledges the potential of autonomous technology but emphasizes challenges related to commercial vehicles and highway safety.

Source: LandLine

The post Several States Bring Autonomous Trucks to a Vote appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.