As part of an eight state initiative, the Iowa Department of Transportation is implementing infrastructure and smart technology necessary for professional truck drivers to make safer, more timely parking decisions along Iowa’s Interstate 80 corridor. The truck parking information management system will provide truck drivers with real-time, in-cab information on truck parking availability at public rest areas and private truck stops along I-80 in Iowa. Iowa’s system is expected to be fully operational by Jan. 4, 2019.

“We are committed to providing the means for safe, efficient, and convenient travel throughout the state. Having this system in place will help truck drivers better manage their hours of service and provide a safer, more efficient travel experience for motorists along I-80,” said Phil Mescher, an Iowa DOT transportation planner. “Availability and awareness of available truck parking is an ongoing national highway safety concern, which our system will address head-on.”

Iowa’s truck parking information management system will collect truck parking availability data using a variety of in-pavement and entrance/exit ramp sensors. Parking information will be available through Iowa’s 511 Traveler Information System, as well as made available as a data feed that can be used in existing and future in-cab routing systems and a hands-free Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration-compliant mobile app.

This initiative is part of a larger Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials’ effort being funded in part through a $25 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant awarded to eight partnering states – Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. While each state is responsible for implementing its own truck parking information management system, the states’ systems will eventually interconnect into a regional system.

For additional information, please contact Phil Mescher at 515-239-1629 or email at phil.mescher@iowadot.us.