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ATRI Study Looks at Ways to Expand Public Truck Parking
The American Transportation Research Institute, in collaboration with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, has highlighted the growing issue of truck parking shortages in the U.S. This research emphasizes the need to expand public truck parking as the average national ratio stands at only one parking space for every 11 trucks. To combat this critical issue, states are exploring alternatives such as utilizing rest areas, weigh stations, repurposed state-owned facilities, and unstriped lots near highways for additional parking.
The study also underscores the costs associated with creating new parking spaces, with an average construction cost of around $113,395 per space, which varies based on project scope and materials used. Financial support is being pursued by around 40% of states through federal grants, which are expected to allocate nearly $752 million toward truck parking projects between 2022 and 2026. The research has identified significant themes in addressing truck parking, including the implementation of advanced information systems, ensuring parking availability during extreme weather, and repurposing existing state facilities.
An expert opinion in the field of transportation stresses that addressing truck parking shortages is not only about creating more spaces but also about enhancing safety and efficiency in the freight transport system. The lack of adequate parking can lead to issues such as delayed deliveries, compromised driver safety, and potential environmental impacts due to unauthorized parking. Public investments in truck parking facilities are therefore essential to support the trucking industry, improve overall road safety, and reduce congestion caused by drivers searching for parking.
The study also underscores the costs associated with creating new parking spaces, with an average construction cost of around $113,395 per space, which varies based on project scope and materials used. Financial support is being pursued by around 40% of states through federal grants, which are expected to allocate nearly $752 million toward truck parking projects between 2022 and 2026. The research has identified significant themes in addressing truck parking, including the implementation of advanced information systems, ensuring parking availability during extreme weather, and repurposing existing state facilities.
An expert opinion in the field of transportation stresses that addressing truck parking shortages is not only about creating more spaces but also about enhancing safety and efficiency in the freight transport system. The lack of adequate parking can lead to issues such as delayed deliveries, compromised driver safety, and potential environmental impacts due to unauthorized parking. Public investments in truck parking facilities are therefore essential to support the trucking industry, improve overall road safety, and reduce congestion caused by drivers searching for parking.