The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has been awarded a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build hundreds of new semitruck parking spaces in southwest Wyoming.
WYDOT will receive more than $26.6 million through the 2023-2024 federal Rural Surface Transportation Grant, which will be used to build about 365 truck parking spaces along Interstate 80 in Evanston.
“This is a crucial project for Wyoming. It’s an investment in our road infrastructure that will help address pedestrian and vehicle safety hazards that occur when winter weather forces the closure of I-80,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “Importantly, it will alleviate the impacts to the community caused by hundreds of tractor trailers seeking somewhere safe to park.”
Due to its proximity to the state border, Evanston can be inundated with commercial vehicles and other traffic during a long duration closure of I-80, which can strain local resources, street parking and other infrastructure.
“Truck parking continues to be one of the highest priorities for both truck drivers and motor carriers,” said Sheila Foertsch, President and CEO of the Wyoming Trucking Association. “Safe, well lit, accessible parking makes the nation’s highway system safer.”
Beyond serving as a safe place to wait out Wyoming’s infamous winter weather, Foertsch added that the parking is essential to the industry by providing a place for drivers to meet their required hours of service breaks.
This is the third competitive federal grant in 2023 that WYDOT has been awarded, which WYDOT Director Darin Westby said should bring the state a great sense of pride.
Parking area construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 depending on design timing, project letting schedule and other potential scheduling considerations. The total project cost is approximately $33.3 million.
