Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has implemented a new system to provide real-time information on truck parking availability along Interstate 10 in western and southeastern Arizona. The Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) aims to enhance safety and support the economy by informing truck drivers about available parking spaces at designated rest areas.

The $2.8 million system is operational at both the eastbound and westbound Ehrenberg and Bouse Wash rest areas, as well as the Texas Canyon and San Simon rest areas on I-10. It uses monitoring systems to track available parking spots, displaying this information on electronic signs and third-party sources utilized by truckers. Additionally, this data will be accessible via the Arizona Traveler Information website at az511.gov.

ADOT's initiative is part of a broader $13.7 million project led by the I-10 Corridor Coalition, which includes Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. This coalition promotes safer travel for both individuals and freight across these states. The project received a $6.85 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and covers over 550 parking spots across the four states.

In addition to TPAS, ADOT is working on expanding truck parking throughout Arizona with its Statewide Truck Implementation Parking Plan. This plan proposes 842 additional parking spaces, including expansions at existing sites and three new lots dedicated to truck parking. The plan allocates $32 million for creating 370 new spaces at various locations such as I-10 Burnt Wells Rest Area near Tonopah and I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area near Winslow.

Since 2019, ADOT has increased truck parking capacity at two rest areas by adding 56 spaces to the Meteor Crater Rest Area on I-40 between Flagstaff and Winslow, as well as 38 new spaces at Haviland Rest area on I-40 west of Kingman.

A poll conducted in 2020 by the I-10 Corridor Coalition revealed that "78% of truck drivers spend more than 30 minutes seeking safe parking." This shortage often results in drivers resorting to unsafe practices like parking on shoulders or ramps.

For further details about TPAS in Arizona or information about the I-10 Corridor Coalition, interested parties can visit azdot.gov/tpas or i10connects.com respectively.