Close This Window
Print This Window

COMMUTER LOT OPEN IN COUNTY

C-T, February 10, 2012

A new commuter lot has opened in northwest Missouri to help travelers keep a few extra dollars in their pockets. The newest lot is about a quarter mile from the intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and Route H in Livingston County and will provide an additional eight parking spots for commuters in the area. In the northwest, there are more than 200 spots in eight different locations for drivers to park and share resources.

High gas prices and traffic congestion in some areas are reasons motorists may want to consider carpooling.

The Missouri Department of Transportation offers more than 6,000 free parking spaces for commuters statewide to help save gas money, and wear and tear on vehicles. Several of those spaces are available in Northwest Missouri. "Sometimes, folks don't realize the lots are free and open to the public," says Don Wichern, MoDOT Northwest District Engineer. "Anyone can park their cars in our commuter lots to share a ride with another driver and save money." MoDOT's commuter parking lots provide a reasonable solution for motorists wanting to save cash, reduce traffic congestion and help the environment by reducing emissions. Carpooling can save the average driver $300-$1,000 per year.

MoDOT maintains more than 100 commuter lots throughout the state, most of which are conveniently located near interstates or major highways. Many of the parking areas are located in the state's metropolitan communities.

The average cost for a gallon of gas is about $3.19. With the average passenger car consuming about 625 gallons of gasoline a year, motorists spend almost $2,000 annually for gasoline alone. By sharing rides and using the commuter lots, motorists can save money on vehicle operating costs including gas, oil, tires and vehicle wear.

The following is a list of the commuter lots in Northwest Missouri:

• Andrew: Route No. I-29 and U.S. Highway 59 / Spots: 33
• Buchanan: I-29 and U.S. Highway 169 / Spots: 61
• Caldwell: U.S. Highway 36 and Route A / Spots: 8
• Clinton: I-35 and Route 116 / Spots: 24
• Dekalb: I-35 and Route 36 / Spots: 42
• Livingston: U.S. Highway 36 and Route D / Spots: 8
• Livingston: U.S. Highway 65 and Route H / Spots: 10
• Nodaway: Route 71 (East) and Route A / Spots: 15

A list of commuter parking lots statewide can be found on MoDOT's Northwest website at: www.modot.org/northwest.