WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Illinois Department of Transportation more than $13 million in BUILD grant funding to expand truck parking at two Southern Illinois rest areas. The Fort Massac Rest Area in Massac County will be reconstructed to increase truck parking from 19 to as many as 64 stalls and add up to four family-assist restrooms and ADA-compliant stalls. The Salt Kettle Rest Area in Vermilion County will gain up to 41 new truck stalls, including four ADA-compliant stalls, along with additional road improvements.
"I grew up in a family trucking business, so I know what it means when a driver is running on fumes with nowhere safe to pull over," said Bost. "This investment builds accessible parking right here in Southern Illinois and gives our truck drivers a safe place to rest. I was glad to back this project and work with federal officials to increase federal funding for this public safety improvement."
"Most folks probably don't realize that 70% of American freight is transported by truck, yet incredibly there is only 1 parking spot for every 11 trucks on the road," said President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Todd Spencer. "When truck drivers don't have a designated place to park, they end up parking on the side of the road, near exit ramps, or elsewhere. This isn't safe for the driver and it's not safe for others on the road. OOIDA and the nearly 150,000 small-business trickers we represent thank Representative Bost for leading the charge in Congress to expand truck parking and improve highway safety for all road users."