TDOT to Implement Truck Parking Pilot Project

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is implementing Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) pilot technologies at its Interstate 40 Welcome Center in Smith County. The pilot project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SMART Grants Program, is intended to help commercial truck drivers find safe, reliable parking when moving essential freight across the Southeast.

Beginning April 22, crews will begin installing pilot technologies at the welcome center, which has both eastbound and westbound access points at mile marker 267. Construction will result in intermittent closures of truck and passenger vehicle parking spaces as well as daily shoulder closures in both directions. Following construction completion and full system integration into TDOT’s SmartWay system, estimated for June, freight drivers will be encouraged to submit feedback on the technologies to help TDOT determine the most reliable occupancy detection technology and overall systems standards.

Four different methods of monitoring technology will be deployed:

·         Magnetometers to detect the number of trucks entering and exiting the Welcome Center’s eastbound lot

·         Radar-Camera Fusion Sensor to detect the number of trucks entering and exiting the Welcome Center’s eastbound lot

·         Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to detect the number of available parking spaces in the Welcome Center’s westbound lot

·         Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to detect the number of available parking spaces in the Welcome Center’s westbound lot

These technologies will provide real-time availability information to commercial truck drivers through roadside signage and in-cab alerts via Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). Similar to TDOT SmartWay cameras, any camera deployed at the I-40 Welcome Center to monitor parking will not be recorded. or used for enforcement purposes.

A shortage of commercial truck parking continues to be an issue across the country, and TDOT is implementing this program to find viable solutions in Tennessee. Drivers who cannot find safe or official parking areas often opt to park on shoulders and ramps, posing a serious safety hazard to themselves and the motoring public. By providing advanced notification of anticipated parking availability, drivers can make informed decisions on whether they can stretch to their hours-of-service limits or need to stop before reaching the I-40 Welcome Center to find adequate parking.

“By giving drivers early, reliable information through these innovative solutions, we help them make smarter decisions,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid. ” Our goal is simple: to support the men and women who keep our freight moving, while protecting everyone who uses Tennessee roadways.”

All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee includes the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.

Motorists can report potholes to TDOT by calling the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX or using this online form: TDOT Maintenance Request. The TDOT SmartWay Map (https://smartway.tn.gov) provides the latest traffic updates on construction activity. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information.

A link to drone video of the I-40 Welcome Center in Smith County can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/4mJ5dLK