Truck Parking System Expands in Montana and Kansas

Parking System Expands in Montana and Kansas to Improve Truck Parking Access

State transportation agencies in Montana and Kansas have launched new parking system technology. This tech is designed to help truck drivers locate available parking spaces in real time. The deployments are part of ongoing efforts to address the nationwide truck parking shortage, improve highway safety, and support more efficient freight movement.

Both projects rely on sensor-based and connected technology that allows drivers to receive advanced notice of open spaces before arriving at rest areas or service plazas.

Montana Deploys Parking System Along I-90 Corridor

The Montana DOT recently activated a parking system along I-90 that provides real-time information about truck parking availability at seven rest areas.

The system TPAIS uses sensors and connected technology to monitor truck parking spaces and transmit data to:

• Electronic roadside message signs
• Montana’s 511 traveler information platform
• In-cab and mobile applications, including Drivewyze

The participating rest areas include locations in Columbus, Greycliff, Headwaters, and Homestake, with coverage in both eastbound and westbound directions where applicable.

Officials said the parking system aims to help drivers identify safe parking earlier in their trip. Truck drivers often spend significant time searching for parking, which can lead to unsafe roadside stops and congestion near rest areas.

The Montana project received more than $1 million through an FMCSA High Priority IT Deployment grant.

Kansas Turnpike Launches Parking System Across Service Areas

A similar parking system has launched on the Kansas Turnpike, where the Kansas Turnpike Authority installed technology at all six service areas.

The system relies on cameras and sensors that detect commercial vehicles entering and exiting service plazas. Software calculates available truck parking spaces and displays real-time updates on dynamic highway signs before drivers reach each facility.

In addition to parking information, the Kansas parking system includes safety features such as wrong-way driver alerts for vehicles exiting service areas.

The initiative builds on other Kansas Turnpike improvements over the past decade, including expanded truck parking capacity, bridge clearance upgrades, extended acceleration ramps, and conversion to cashless tolling.

Parking System Technology Targets Nationwide Truck Parking Challenges

The rollout of these projects reflects broader industry efforts to address persistent truck parking shortages nationwide.

Limited parking capacity can create operational challenges for truck drivers, particularly when approaching HOS limits. As a result, drivers may be forced to stop on highway shoulders or ramps when legal parking is unavailable.

Real-time parking system technology is designed to reduce these risks by:

• Helping drivers locate available spaces faster
• Improving trip planning and routing decisions
• Reducing congestion near rest areas
• Supporting compliance with federal safety regulations
• Lowering emissions linked to circling for parking

Transportation agencies increasingly view parking technology as a cost-effective solution compared with large infrastructure expansion projects.

Integration With Traveler Information and In-Cab Technology

The Montana and Kansas deployments demonstrate how modern parking system solutions can integrate with existing traveler information services and connected vehicle platforms.

Montana’s system connects to statewide 511 services and mobile applications, while Kansas relies on sensor networks and dynamic signage along the Turnpike corridor. These approaches allow drivers to access parking data without needing additional onboard equipment.

Industry observers say similar technology could expand to other freight corridors if pilot programs show positive safety and efficiency outcomes.

Parking System Benefits for Truck Drivers and Fleets

For truck drivers, the new parking system deployments may improve daily operations by providing more predictable access to rest areas.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced stress when nearing Hours-of-Service limits
• Less time spent searching for parking
• Safer overnight and rest break planning
• Improved communication between drivers and dispatchers
• Greater route efficiency for fleets

Fleet operators may also see operational gains through fewer delays and improved schedule reliability.

Continued Growth of Smart Parking System Solutions

The launch of parking technology in Montana and Kansas highlights growing momentum for smart infrastructure aimed at supporting freight mobility and roadway safety.

Federal grants and state investments continue to drive pilot programs focused on truck parking availability data, sensor networks, and connected traveler information systems. As these initiatives expand, transportation agencies may deploy additional parking system projects along major freight corridors nationwide.

While infrastructure expansion remains a long-term goal, technology-driven solutions are increasingly viewed as a practical step toward improving truck parking access and highway safety.