SES America, Inc. has kicked off 2018 by initiating manufacturing on embedded dynamic message signs for use in several Truck Parking Availability System (TPAS) projects across the U.S. The signs are used as part of an overall system designed to inform truck drivers of safe, reliable locations to park and rest as required under federal guidelines, and display the number of available parking spaces at a given location.

The systems use sensors placed in the ground at welcome centers, rest areas and weigh stations in conjunction with entrance and exit counts to monitor available parking spaces and address imbalance in truck parking capacity. The embedded DMS are mounted to static signage that shows an available truck parking location downstream and the number of spaces at that location. Sign locations are powered either via the existing power infrastructure or through independent solar power systems designed and implemented by SESA, and are capable of displaying up to three digits in a variety of character sets.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), inadequate truck parking ranks fourth overall on the annual list of trucking industry issues. “Our involvement in these projects allows us to once again demonstrate a commitment to initiatives that make our roadways safer for the traveling public,’ said Brandon Tessier, Vice President of Sales & Marketing with SESA. “Testing has shown that these systems are significant in helping truckers find the parking spaces they need and in turn creating a safer overall transportation environment.”

SESA currently holds the contracts to manufacture and deliver TPAS signage for the Florida Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Transportation and Kansas Department of Transportation. Manufacturing will be completed in the Spring of 2018, with deployments expected later this year.