The Arizona Department of Transportation has just unveiled a proposal suggesting the creation of 842 additional parking spaces designated for trucks across 10 locations along interstate highways within the state. This initiative stems from ADOT’s formulation of a comprehensive plan, known as the Statewide Truck Parking Implementation Plan, aimed at tackling the growing demand for parking spaces for large commercial trucks traversing Arizona. The development of this plan involved a thorough assessment of existing challenges and essential requirements for truck parking, with close collaboration with the trucking industry.

The proposal outlines the establishment of fresh parking facilities and the extension of current ADOT parking spaces in regions where the demand is most pronounced. These areas comprise existing rest stops and incorporate three novel “safe lots” within the existing ADOT freeway right-of-way. Among the recommended new parking sites, six are situated along I-10, three along I-40, and one along I-8.

ADOT clarified that the selection of these locations was grounded on factors such as the heightened demand for truck parking, the presence of existing unofficial truck parking, as well as considerations of cost, feasibility, and insights garnered from the trucking industry. The prioritization of these sites for implementation takes into account both present and prospective funding availability. The designated locations for this initiative include:

  • I-10 Burnt Well Rest Area, 103 spaces
  • I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area, 140 spaces
  • I-10B-10/SR186 TI Safe Lot, 127 spaces
  • I-40 Crazy Creek Safe Lot, 176 spaces
  • I-10 Ehrenberg Rest Area, 53 spaces
  • I-10 San Simon Rest Area, 80 spaces
  • I-10 Bouse Wash Rest Area, 55 spaces
  • I-40 Seligman Safe Lot, 72 spaces
  • I-10 Sacaton Rest Area, 20 spaces
  • I-8Mohawk Rest Area, 16 spaces

Leveraging the existing $32 million allocated from the National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) for truck parking expansion, the study proposes the incorporation of 370 new truck parking spaces concentrated in the most critical locations—specifically, the Burnt Well Rest Area, Meteor Crater Rest Area, and the B-10/SR186 interchange Safe Lot. Implementation of parking facilities at the remaining seven locations is contingent upon securing future funding.

Furthermore, earlier this year, ADOT committed an additional $18 million from NHFP funds, as outlined in the 2023 Statewide Rest Area Plan, to enhance five of the state’s existing rest areas.

Members of the public are encouraged to share their input on the Statewide Truck Parking Implementation Plan until Tuesday, December 19. Comments can be submitted through various channels, including:

  • Comment form: azdot.gov/TruckParkingComments
  • Email: mpdplanning@azdot.gov, please include in the heading “Truck Parking”
  • ADOT Project Information Line: 1-855-712-8530
  • Mail: Nancy Becerra, c/o ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson, MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007