Truckers' Park/Rest Facility Study

Beltemacchi, Peter; Rohter, Laurence; Selinksky, Jac; Manning, Terry

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/12034 Copy

Description

Title

Truckers' Park/Rest Facility Study

Author(s)

• Beltemacchi, Peter
• Rohter, Laurence
• Selinksky, Jac
• Manning, Terry

Issue Date

2008-07

Keyword(s)

• truck parking
• Chicagoland

Abstract

This study examined the current state of truck parking and rest area facilities in the Northeast Illinois Region to determine if and how problems from truck parking affect freight transportation infrastructure, safety, and the region’s economy and environment. A taxonomic study of truck traffic volume and truck parking vailability was completed. Truck parking sites for this report comprise private and public sites. Interviews were conducted with state, county, municipal authorities, and truck drivers. The primary problems found involved two groups of truckers. One group is the independent, over-the-road drivers with Chicagoland deliveries and pickups. This group has fewer resources available for securing parking when needed. These truckers are responsible for much of the ‘nuisance’ parking in residential, retail, or manufacturing areas. The second group contributing to nuisance parking is local company drivers who park in areas designed for over-the-road truckers and access ramps. The consequences of nuisance parking include safety hazards, problematic environmental effects from emissions and toxins, and a diminished freight ransportation system affecting the local economy. Recommendations are given. Solutions include: improving parking sites by creating additional parking for the drivers needing it; and re-using brownfield sites, underutilized retail and manufacturing parking areas, and seasonally affected sites to create additional parking. Communication of site availability via radio or other means is also proposed. Since the impacts and needs are diffused over the region, further study of both procedural, such as the development of design guides, and programmatic private and public solutions are proposed.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-08-018

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/12034

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

ICT R27-16

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