Interstate 49 No Parking Signs
By: Drew Moore
Updated: March 8, 2013
JOPLIN, MO.--- "No Parking" signs usually seen in the city, are now popping up on ramps along I-49.
"Well if you drive around, especially at night time or early morning, you'll see trucks parked at many ramps," said Dan Salisbury, Assistant District Engineer, MODOT.
Ramps which weren't made to withstand more than 100,000 of cargo for a very long time.
"Some of the new interchanges have been built with more narrow thinner shoulders that just can't hold a truck," says Salisbury.
To replace one of the ramps would cost MODOT about $2.5 million. Besides that, Missouri Highway Patrol troopers say the parked trucks are a safety hazard for other drivers, especially at night.
"On the smaller shoulders that truck is actually out in the traffic way, and unless there's some sort of markings or they've got their lights on the drivers that are taking the exit, may not see that truck," said Sgt. Mike Watson, Missouri Highway Patrol.
MODOT has completed projects to expand parking at rest stops. Transportation officials say truck drivers do have other options to park and rest.
"We have some designated truck parking areas along the roadways and then commercially there are truck stops," says Salisbury.
Missouri Highway Patrol troopers say any truck or car which is stopped along the roadways at night is required by law to put a warning device on the side of the road. Failure to do so could result in a fine of nearly $100 to the driver.
"Well if you drive around, especially at night time or early morning, you'll see trucks parked at many ramps," said Dan Salisbury, Assistant District Engineer, MODOT.
Ramps which weren't made to withstand more than 100,000 of cargo for a very long time.
"Some of the new interchanges have been built with more narrow thinner shoulders that just can't hold a truck," says Salisbury.
To replace one of the ramps would cost MODOT about $2.5 million. Besides that, Missouri Highway Patrol troopers say the parked trucks are a safety hazard for other drivers, especially at night.
"On the smaller shoulders that truck is actually out in the traffic way, and unless there's some sort of markings or they've got their lights on the drivers that are taking the exit, may not see that truck," said Sgt. Mike Watson, Missouri Highway Patrol.
MODOT has completed projects to expand parking at rest stops. Transportation officials say truck drivers do have other options to park and rest.
"We have some designated truck parking areas along the roadways and then commercially there are truck stops," says Salisbury.
Missouri Highway Patrol troopers say any truck or car which is stopped along the roadways at night is required by law to put a warning device on the side of the road. Failure to do so could result in a fine of nearly $100 to the driver.
