In The News

VDOT announces first step in truck parking pilot program

As more states continue to close rest areas and access to critical truck parking, the state of Virginia announced on Thursday, Nov. 4, that it will in fact open a site for truckers needing a place to stop and rest.

On Monday, Nov. 8, the site, which is located off Interstate 66 at mile marker 4 near Front Royal will be opened for truck parking.

Sandy Myers, Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman, told Land Line on Thursday that this pilot program will be in place for at least 150 days, which includes a 60-day evaluation period. She said the Warren County Board of Supervisors approached VDOT with the idea, which VDOT approved.

She said the paved site will have portable restroom facilities, but no lighting there. Myers said the Warren County sheriff’s office and the Virginia State Police will monitor the rest area on I-66 during this time.

“So it’s somewhat removed from the interstate, it’s shielded by a lot of trees – you can’t see it directly from the interstate – but it is a place that truckers can go and rest,” Myers said.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer told Land Line that this is a positive step for truckers passing through Virginia.

“Virginia should be applauded for taking a creative approach to meeting a real need using available resources,” Spencer said on Thursday. “Other states should follow their lead.”

At the end of the pilot program, there will be an evaluation process where Myers said VDOT will review how things went at the site. If things go well, she said there may be other opportunities for additional parking sites at VDOT properties on I-66 and Interstate 64.

“We are doing this pilot program to see how this works, how it interfaces with the neighbors, and see if the truckers are using it and feel comfortable using it,” she said.

Spencer said he hopes truckers appreciate VDOT’s efforts to provide a safe place to stop and rest.

“I hope truckers value this initiative and keep the area clean,” he said.

On Thursday, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell issued a statement about the state’s pilot program to use undeveloped VDOT properties for truck safety rest areas.

“Truckers are the lifeline of our economy, carrying food, manufactured products, clothes and everything imaginable and necessary for our daily lives,” McDonnell stated. “To ensure they drive safely, truckers need secure places to park and rest.”

He added that the majority of Virginia’s full service rest areas are “filled to capacity with trucks.”

“This pilot project will look to use undeveloped properties at minimal cost to the Commonwealth,” McDonnell said.

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