FDOT to begin work on new message boards for truckers on I-75

The fatal crash on I-75 last week has a lot of people thinking about how to drive more safely including semi-truck drivers.

A new state project could help make the interstate safer for everyone.

Work for the $3.7 million dollar project is expected to start next week and it will allow truck drivers to see if there is space for them at the next public rest stop.

The Florida Department of Transportation is revealing studies show some truck drivers resort to unsafe parking along the interstate.

"They'll get to a rest area and if there's no parking, they'll just pull off to the side of the road,” Troy Roberts, a spokesperson for FDOT, said.

The new Truck Parking Availability System by FDOT will provide message boards showing truck drivers vacancies at upcoming rest areas.

"To let them know if there are parking spots available and if not, they can move on to the next one that does have available parking,” Roberts said.

The system will also be installed at welcome centers and weigh stations the Department of Transportation is expecting to complete the project by this Fall.