![]() Commercial trucks are allowed to stay a maximum of 11 hours. Under state law, the driver of a passenger vehicle is allowed to park at a rest stop for a maximum of eight hours within a 24-hour period. "It's indicative of the homelessness crisis we are facing as a country and a state due to a lack of affordable housing," she said, adding that the state transportation department and law enforcement have continued to do outreach at rest areas through the state's encampment resolution program. Werner acknowledged homeless people have camped and parked at rest areas in increasing numbers across Washington in recent years. "Safety rest areas are intended for short-term visits." "One of the more common safety concerns is individuals staying beyond the posted legal time limits," the plan reads. Having enough spots for people to park at rest stops reduces highway crashes, according to the state plan, so drowsy drivers have a safe place to pull over and rest. The state transportation department is considering expanding existing truck lots, as well as building truck-only rest stops. Respondents to the calls for public comment reportedly asked the transportation department for increased semitruck and commercial vehicle parking - especially at high-traffic rest stops, such as the Indian John Hill rest area near Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90. "Some have frequent water leaks or sewage issues." "Some of our facilities would require complete demolition and rebuilding," Werner said. Rest areas across the state need more than a quick fix, Werner said, and slapping on new paint or installing new faucets won't be enough. "We heard loud and clear that folks want to see modernized facilities and increased truck parking." "The needs of travelers today versus what they were 15 years ago have changed," transportation department spokesperson Tina Werner said in a phone interview.
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