Wash. State Survey Highlights Truck-Parking Safety Concerns

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the respondents to its truck parking survey said overwhelmingly that there were not enough parking for trucks in the state, and were concerned about safe parking.

WSDOT surveyed more than 450 truck drivers and nearly 100 trucking companies to get feedback on truck parking in the state, and that overwhelmingly, the industry reported a lack of safe parking.

WSDOT will use the feedback to improve truck parking along the major truck corridors of Interstate 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’s 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:

• It said 95% 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 said that improving truck parking would improve roadway safety by providing truck drivers a safe and legal place to park as they become fatigued.

It 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.

The study is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/freight/publications.