PennDOT, Shapiro Administration Expands Statewide Truck Parking Options Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association officials announced that the Commonwealth is adding 1,202 truck parking spaces in 133 locations by the end of 2026. In addition, the PA Turnpike is evaluating opportunities for more than 600 additional spaces across its system. This is the first statewide expansion of designated parking spaces other than through facility construction projects and will provide safe options for commercial drivers to meet federal hours-of-service rest requirements, helping to address a longstanding, nationwide challenge and improving driver safety. “Truck parking is a nationwide issue, and with the high volume of freight traffic coming through Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration knew that we needed to tackle this problem,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As a commercial driver’s license-holder myself, I know how important this commonsense approach is to our economy and workforce. By adding these spots – and looking at ways to add even more – we’re giving truckers many more options to safely park and meet their rest requirements.” PennDOT’s designated truck parking spots will be established on Interstate on-ramps with no sight distance or safety concerns, weigh stations used for PSP motor carrier safety enforcement, and various other locations within highway right of way. PennDOT and PSP staff collaborated closely to identify sites that can be designated quickly and cost-effectively. Spots will be marked with truck-parking signage installed by PennDOT. “This initiative directly supports our mission to ensure motor carrier safety by reducing driver fatigue and improving the overall safety of our highways,” PSP Director Bureau of Patrol Major Robert Krol said. “Safe, designated parking is essential for commercial drivers, and this effort represents a significant step forward in protecting everyone who travels on Pennsylvania’s roads.” As part of its ongoing investment to the trucking community, the PA Turnpike is evaluating the feasibility of additional spaces at various locations throughout its system, including emergency pull-offs, interchange on-ramps and service plaza on-ramps. Over the last two decades, the PA Turnpike has added parking where it can, investing more than $30 million to expand truck parking at numerous service plazas, including Sideling Hill, Lawn, Highspire, North Somerset and Stanton service plazas. As it converts to Open Road Tolling (ORT), the PA Turnpike is reviewing the reconfiguration of interchanges can create opportunities to provide additional spaces for truck parking. “The trucking community is essential to our mission of supporting national commerce,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions that address the increasing truck parking shortages along our system, and we take pride in collaborating with partners throughout the Commonwealth to enhance driver safety and improve logistics efficiency.” Due to its role supporting regional logistical operations, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the few toll roads that held – and grew – its commercial volumes from pre-pandemic levels. Systemwide, commercial traffic is 15% higher than pre-pandemic levels. To complement the added spaces and to share available their locations, PennDOT today unveiled a new “Public Truck Parking” option on www.511PA.com and the 511PA smartphone application. The map displays existing truck parking options and both agencies’ newly designated locations will be added as the parking becomes available. Truck parking concerns have been well documented, including through a study by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in 2023. This parking expansion addresses the study’s recommendation to “repurpose select state-owned surplus properties.” The action to expand parking builds on PennDOT’s work on other recommendations included in the TAC study. The department has established the Truck Parking Task Force, an ongoing collaboration with regional and municipal partners along high priority corridors identified in the study. Additionally, the department has engaged the trucking industry, municipalities, and planning partners to help promote and advance potential solutions at the local level. “Truck drivers are essential to keeping our economy moving, goods on our shelves, and food in our pantries — but they need safe places to stop and rest. With only one parking space for every 11 drivers on the road, too many truckers are forced to choose between breaking hours-of-service laws or stopping in unsafe locations. Every new space added to our highway network means one more trucker who has a safe and secure place to stop tonight. PMTA thanks PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission for their commitment to tackling this problem to help truck drivers and keep our roads safer for everyone,” PMTA President & CEO Rebecca Oyler said. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available online. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Motorcyclists of Free Safety Training Through PA Motorcycle Safety Program High school training program prepares young riders and promotes lifelong safety habits May is Motorcycle Awareness Month As part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to saving lives and keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe, the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Education, and Insurance, the Pennsylvania State Police and safety advocates joined forces today at Northeastern High School in Manchester to highlight efforts to improve motorcycle safety and promote rider training for all ages. Free motorcycle safety training has been available through PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) for 40 years. This year’s celebration also recognizes the successful implementation of a PAMSP training program at Northeastern High School. “The lessons learned through PAMSP courses provide riders with important training to mitigate crashes and reinforce the message for all motorists and riders to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Drivers and riders alike can should remember to stay aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible while operating any vehicle.” In a bold move to enhance student safety on the roadways, Northeastern High School, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and PAMSP, now offers the Basic Rider Course to students in spring and fall classes. They can earn credits toward graduation while learning how to operate a motorcycle safely and responsibly. To date, 21 students have successfully completed the Basic Rider Course at Northeastern, with more students interested in next year’s courses. “We are proud of our budding motorcycle program for the students at Northeastern High School and hope to continue the effort to better prepare them for a safer future operating a motorcycle,” said Dr. Jason M. Bottiglieri, Northeastern School District Superintendent. “We are confident that teaching our students good riding habits early on will help save lives.” “We applaud the efforts of our individual schools and our school districts in providing meaningful and life-changing educational opportunities to our young citizens,” said PA Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Amy Lena. “Anytime we can promote safety and teach a valuable life skill to our students, it’s a win-win.” There were 3,292 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2024, resulting in 219 fatalities. Crashes fell from the 2023 number of 3,424, while fatalities also fell from 238 in 2023. “Enjoy Pennsylvania’s roadways on your motorcycle, and share the roadways responsibly and safely,” said Major Robert Krol, Director of the Bureau of Patrol for the Pennsylvania State Police. “Never ride while impaired or distracted. Ride defensively and don’t hesitate to seek basic or advanced training to keep your skills sharp.” Through PAMSP, Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle permit or license can earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of training courses , regardless of experience. The courses include: the Basic Rider Course (BRC); the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC); the Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a 3-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with restriction prohibiting the operation a of 2-wheel motorcycle. Classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations. Additional information can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/PAMSP. PennDOT anticipates additional training sites will become available during the riding season, and customers are encouraged to check PennDOT’s website for updated class offerings. Schools or school districts interested in starting a motorcycle training program should contact PAMSP from more information. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) reminds riders that they must have insurance to drive a motorcycle in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s motorcycle insurance market is competitive, and many insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists who complete safety courses, have memberships in certain associations, or have safe driving records. Insurers also offer discounts for “bundling,” also known as buying multiple policies. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to discuss available discount options with their insurer. “The Commonwealth is a wonderful place in which to ride. Motorcyclists don’t just have a passion for their bikes – it’s a way of life,” said Shannen Logue, PID Deputy Commissioner for Product Regulation. “We want motorcyclists to take the available safety courses and follow safety guidelines, so that they can continue to enjoy the beautiful roadways in Pennsylvania while staying safe. And, riding safely may also help reduce your insurance cost.” Pennsylvanians with insurance questions, or who wish to file a complaint, can contact PID’s Consumer Services Bureau online or by calling 1-877-881-6388. Some safety tips motorists can keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles include: Watch for Motorcycles: motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions. Never drive impaired. Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips: Be seen by wearing reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet. Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits, and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations. Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check. Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions. If you’re flying domestically, you will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today.
