Home » Transportation Cabinet launches new system to provide real-time truck parking availability

Transportation Cabinet launches new system to provide real-time truck parking availability

Kentucky, seven other states offer driver information through dynamic roadside signs

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has partnered with seven other states to launch a real-time parking availability information system for commercial drivers in order to improve the safety and efficiency of the region’s freight network. The Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials (MAASTO) regional Truck Parking Information Management System (TPIMS) will display information to truckers on high-volume roadways – including Interstates 65, 71 and 75 in Kentucky – through dynamic roadside signs.

“Safe, convenient parking is crucial for commercial drivers who spend long stretches of time on the road,” said KYTC State Highway Engineer Andy Barber. “TPIMS will help truckers locate open spaces in safe, appropriate lots found on popular travel corridors to discourage drivers from parking on highway shoulders, off-ramps, or at abandoned facilities that can compromise safety and deteriorate roads.”

The multi-state project is financed by a $25 million federal BUILD (formerly TIGER) grant and $3.6 million in collective state funds. Road signs across Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin labeled “Spaces Open” will digitally display the number of truck spaces available at nearby parking locations monitored by the TPIMS system. In addition to six dynamic signs, Kentucky will utilize a web-based data feed, providing drivers with the number of spaces open in the 14 designated lots and static images of parking areas.

“Surveys have found that the majority of commercial drivers routinely spend 30 minutes to one hour looking for parking,” said Kentucky Trucking Association President Rick Taylor. “TPIMS will not only result in more efficient movement of goods and less fuel consumption, but will also cut CO2 emissions by reducing unnecessary drive time.”

Kentucky is centrally located within 600 miles of over 60 percent of the nation’s population. Access to multiple interstate corridors spurs the heavy use of commercial truck traffic on state roads.

“Annually, $502 billion in goods are shipped to and from sites in Kentucky,” said Taylor. “TPIMS is not only valuable for truckers identifying safe places to park, but for economies depending on the timely delivery of goods and services.”

More information about MAASTO’s regional TPIMS can be found here.