365 truck parking spaces planned for WY I-80 “like a Band-Aid on a severe wound” caused by frequent winter closures, officials say
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has been awarded a multi-million dollar grant for the construction of hundreds of spaces worth of new truck parking on I-80 near the Utah border.
WYDOT announced that they were awarded the $26.6 million through the 2023-24 federal Rural Service Transportation Grant on the week of December 11th. The money will be used to construct about 365 new truck parking spaces on I-80 between exits 6 and 10 near Evanston, Wyoming. The project is estimated to cost a total of $33.3 million.
According to Uinta County Herald, the winter of 2022-2023 brought higher-than-normal amounts of snow and ice to the Evanston area, closing I-80 and forcing truckers to park wherever they could find space throughout the winter season.
“Truck parking continues to be one of the highest priorities for both truck drivers and motor carriers. Safe, well lit, accessible parking makes the nation’s highway system safer,” said Sheila Foertsch, president and CEO of the Wyoming Trucking Association.
Local officials say that they are excited for the construction of these new truck parking locations, as it will prevent the sort of semi truck congestion along city streets that the closure of I-80 often brings.
“I am 100% excited about this parking area. The semi-trucks will not be in the middle of town and lining up on the streets. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Senator Wendy Schuler.
“This is like a Band-Aid on a severe wound, and we should be grateful for it,” said Uinta County Planning Director Gary Welling. “The steering committee looked at many options, and this made the most sense. It is a well-thought-out plan.”
“I am excited about the proposed parking area for the trucks. It won’t be enough until we can get Utah involved in a solution, but it is a step in the right direction,” said Evanston Mayor Kent Williams.
No information outlining when construction will begin or estimated completion dates has been released.