Commercial Vehicle Services - Grants

2023

WSDOT moves ahead to replace aging signs

In the 2022-2023 biennium, WSDOT received two grants totaling over $1.8 million. These grants will help WSDOT replace electronic changeable message signs that are past their life expectancy and beginning to fail. WSDOT is on track to procure the signs by 2025 and have them installed by September 2026.

WSDOT to implement truck parking pilot project

In 2023, WSDOT finalized discussions regarding a truck parking pilot project, system requirements and support needed. The agency is working to complete the procurement and installation requirements for a test location. The commercial vehicles truck parking pilot project will be implemented at weigh stations and rest areas along I-5 and I-90. The goal is to inform commercial vehicle drivers about parking availability, allowing them to better plan for rest stops to avoid fatigued driving and hours of service violations. This pilot project is funded by a $2 million federal grant.

2022

WSDOT receives federal grants in 2022

In September 2022, WSDOT received two grants totaling over $1.8 million. These 100% federally-funded grants will help WSDOT replace electronic changeable signs that are past their life expectancy and beginning to fail.

Changeable message signs are critical for communicating information to drivers during the commercial vehicle electronic screening process. The grant will allow WSDOT to replace aging signs at all 11 electronic screening equipped weigh stations. These open/closed changeable message signs are essential for directing traffic into the correct lanes and helping reduce the potential for sudden lane changes when commercial vehicles access weigh stations.

The grant for sorting signs will allow WSDOT to replace old signs at nine electronic screening equipped weigh stations. Two of the current 11 stations have already had these updates. Sorting signs direct traffic by notifying the commercial vehicle drivers to take the exit or bypass the weigh station. They also enhance safety by preventing commercial vehicles from lining up on the ramps and blocking traffic on the roadway and decrease pollution by helping commercial vehicles avoid idling time.

WSDOT receives $2 million for truck parking pilot

In 2021, WSDOT received a $2 million grant to implement a commercial vehicles pilot project at weigh stations and rest areas along I-5 and I-90. The goal is to inform commercial vehicle drivers about parking availability, allowing them to better plan for rest stops to avoid fatigued driving and hours of service violations.

The pilot is a collaboration between WSDOT and the University of Washington, which collected and analyzed parking space occupancy data to develop a self-learning algorithm that predicts truck parking availability up to four hours in advance.

In 2022, WSDOT worked with other stakeholders to identify the type of equipment that will be used to identify open or occupied parking stalls.

2021

WSDOT applies for federal grants in 2021

WSDOT is applying for over $1.8 million in federal grants to replace electronic signs that are past their life expectancy and beginning to fail. These two grants address signs that have changeable messages and deal with sorting are typically awarded in August, and if received, will be 100% federally funded in 2022.

Changeable message signs are critical for communicating information to drivers during the commercial vehicle electronic screening process. The new open/closed signs grant will allow WSDOT to replace aging signs at all 11 electronic screening equipped weigh stations. Open/ closed signs are essential for directing traffic into the correct lane and helping prevent sudden lane changes when commercial vehicles exit the highways to access the weigh stations.

The grant for sorting signs will allow WSDOT to replace old signs at nine electronic screening equipped weigh stations. Two of the current 11 stations have already been updated.

Sorting signs direct traffic by notifying the commercial vehicle drivers to use or bypass the weigh station. Sorting signs decrease pollution by helping commercial vehicles avoid idling time and enhance safety by preventing commercial vehicles from lining up on the ramps and blocking traffic on the roadway.

WSDOT receives $2 million for truck parking pilot

In 2021, WSDOT received a $2 million grant to implement a commercial vehicles pilot project at weigh stations and rest areas along I-5 and I-90. The goal is to inform commercial vehicle drivers about parking availability, allowing them to better plan for rest stops to avoid fatigued driving and hours of service violations.

The pilot is a collaboration between WSDOT and the University of Washington, which collected and analyzed parking space occupancy data to develop a self-learning algorithm that predicts truck parking availability up to four hours in advance.

2020

WSDOT and WSP plan to expand VWIM program in future

WSDOT and WSP have installed two basic VWIMs (weigh-in-motion scales with cameras but no license plate detection capabilities)—one on SR 290 near Newman Lake and one on I-90 near Vantage. As funding becomes available, WSDOT will install additional equipment at both sites to give them the same capabilities as the three VWIM sites.

WSDOT to upgrade Plymouth weigh station beginning in 2022

As part of their ongoing collaboration in 2020, WSDOT and WSP identified the Plymouth Port of Entry, where Interstate 82 crosses the Columbia River, as a location where improvements are needed in order to more safely inspect and enforce commercial carrier operations. The agencies obtained dedicated funding to design and rebuild the Plymouth weigh station through the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Systems Station Strategic Plan.

The rebuild will include a new operations building, approaches with scales on both sides of the building, an inspection building with two inspection pits, and an upgraded parking area for commercial vehicles. The project is scheduled to be advertised in October 2022 and tentatively expected to be operational in late 2023.

2019

WSDOT looking into options to replace and improve aging self-serve permit program

WSDOT is investigating options for replacing its outdated self-serve permit program for oversize and overweight vehicles. In 2019, WSDOT became eligible for a federal grant to support the project and identified options to replace the existing system.