The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) surveyed more than 450 truck drivers and nearly 100 trucking companies to get feedback on truck parking in Washington. Overwhelmingly, the industry reported a lack of safe parking. WSDOT will use the feedback to improve truck parking along the major truck corridors of I-5, I-90, and I-82.
“The state is taking this as a first step in developing innovative ways to provide more parking for the tucking industry,” said Dale Tabat, WSDOT Truck Freight Programs and Policy Manager. “We received a tremendous response from the trucking industry and the feedback is helping us identify priorities for parking locations and services.”
WSDOT heard from 473 truck drivers and 99 trucking companies. Highlights of the survey results include:
— Ninety five percent reported overcrowding as the major barrier to using existing truck parking.
— The top three places truck drivers and companies want additional truck parking are Seattle, Tacoma, and Federal Way.
— The trucking industry would also like to see expanded chaining areas on both sides of I-90 on Snoqualmie Pass.
— The top five parking amenities wanted are: easy access to the Interstate, rest rooms, paved lots, separate truck parking, and lighting.
Truck drivers need parking for federally required 10-hour rest periods after 11 hours of driving. They also use short-term parking while waiting to make deliveries or picking up loads. When truck drivers can’t find designated parking, they park on freeway ramps, along the road shoulder, and at weigh stations.
WSDOT places a high priority on roadway safety. Improving truck parking would improve roadway safety by providing truck drivers a safe and legal place to park as they become fatigued.
WSDOT will use the survey responses, and the results of a 2005 parking study, to make truck parking improvements, make investment decisions on additional parking, and to explore partnerships with other agencies and private commercial truck stop operators. WSDOT’s Truck Parking Study is available at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/freight/publications .