BACKGROUND: Truck parking demand is driven by economic demand, safety considerations, and the need for adequate rest for commercial vehicle operators. Recent studies of truck parking demand and capacity constraints reflected a consensus that truck parking demand exceeds the available supply in many public rest areas and private truck stops across the nation. Some state departments of transportation (DOTs) have developed truck information management systems to better address commercial vehicle parking needs by reducing parking search time and providing safer parking options through the collection and dissemination of real-time parking availability using a variety of technologies.
There is a need to (1) explore issues such as planning, design, operations, procurement and selection of technologies, the means and format for reporting information, life-cycle considerations, interoperability, and interagency coordination; and (2) develop a guide that presents rational practices for truck parking information management systems. Such guide should be a resource for state DOTs in implementing information management practices that address commercial vehicle parking needs, thereby reducing the challenges associated with the search for safer parking options.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide of suggested practices for the development, connectivity, and management of truck parking information systems. At a minimum, the guide shall address planning, design, operations, procurement and selection of technologies, the means and format for reporting information, life-cycle considerations, and interagency coordination.
TASKS
PHASE I: (1) Collect and review relevant domestic and foreign literature, research findings, and information relative to connectivity, interoperability, development, and management of truck parking information systems. This information may be obtained from published and unpublished reports, and contacts with public and private organizations. (2) Based on the review performed in Task 1, identify new and existing practices recommended for further consideration/investigation in Phase II. (3) Based on the evaluation performed in Task 2, prepare an updated, detailed work plan to be executed in Phase II that includes an approach for developing the guide of suggested practices. (4) Prepare an interim report that documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 3. Following review of the interim report by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to make a presentation to the project panel. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until the interim report is approved and the Phase II work plan is authorized by the NCHRP. The decision on proceeding with Phase II will be based on the contractor’s documented justification of the updated work plan.
PHASE II: (5) Execute the Phase II plan approved in Task 4. Based on the results of this work, prepare the guide. (6) Prepare material, in a PowerPoint or other format, for use in webinars and presentations to facilitate implementation and use of the developed guide. (7) Prepare a final deliverable that documents the entire research effort. Deliverable will include (1) a research report documenting the work performed in the project and used to develop the guide, (2) the guide as a stand-alone document, (3) presentation material, and (4) technical memorandum on implementation.
STATUS: Research in progress.
