The Connecticut Department of Transportation late last week announced it has launched a $31 million statewide project aimed at expanding truck parking facilities at five key locations across the state. This project addresses a longstanding challenge within the trucking industry: the need for more truck parking spaces to support drivers’ safety and operational efficiency, according to a statement from CDOT.
The first phase of the project is underway at the Middletown rest area on Interstate 91 northbound. The project will add 11 new truck parking spaces, increasing capacity at this location by more than 40%.
By the end of the decade, CTDOT plans to add more than 180 new truck parking spaces in Middletown, Madison, Southington, Southbury, and Vernon.
Connecticut currently has approximately 420 truck parking spaces at public service plazas and rest areas. This expansion project will increase the state’s public truck parking capacity to about 600 spaces, an increase of 44%.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard truckers loud and clear when they called for more places to safely park along state highways,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We are excited to begin these projects to improve safety for the trucking community, who keep our economy moving.”
“The Motor Transport Association of CT wholeheartedly applauds Commissioner Eucalitto and the Connecticut Department of Transportation for addressing the truck parking shortage issue head on,” said Motor Transport Association of CT President John Blair. “The truck parking shortage has plagued the trucking industry for decades, and the consequences of insufficient capacity are as wide ranging as they are severe. The scarcity of truck parking spaces across the country decreases safety for all highway users, exacerbates the industry longstanding workforce challenges, diminishes trucking productivity, and results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. The effort here in Connecticut will undoubtedly make our roads safer.”
“In Connecticut and nationally, truck parking shortages are a major safety concern,” said John McAvoy, division administrator for the Federal Highway Administration’s Connecticut Division. “With the projected growth in e-commerce and truck traffic, the demand for truck parking will continue to outpace the supply of public and private parking facilities and will only increase the truck parking problems experienced in Connecticut. It is essential that commercial truck drivers have access to safe, secure and accessible truck parking.”
In a statement, CDOT said Connecticut’s freight transportation system is a critical component of the local, state, regional, and national economy, supporting more than 451,000 jobs and producing $50.5 billion annually in gross regional product.
The statewide truck parking expansion project will be completed in phases over the next several years, significantly improving the availability of safe and secure parking for truck drivers throughout Connecticut.
These projects are fully covered by state funds thanks to the continued support of Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut’s state legislature.
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