Linda Crider, a Cocoa resident who drives to Fort Pierce weekly for veterinary relief work, says she regularly sees semitrailers parked on the shoulder of the southbound I-95 on-ramp from State Road 524. Crider told 321 Daily she worries about the safety risk posed by trucks idling on the ramp, especially during morning hours. 'It’s always scary to think what if one is pulling out while you’re trying to get up to speed to get onto 95,' she said. The issue came to light after FDOT traffic cameras captured trucks parked on the ramp during the day and at night.
The Florida Department of Transportation confirmed the I-95 southbound on-ramp from State Road 524 has 'no parking any time' signs posted every 100 feet. FDOT spokesperson Daniella Johnson said the signs are meant to make clear that the entire ramp is off-limits for parking. 'We rely on law enforcement partners to enforce these rules,' Johnson said. The Florida Highway Patrol has since alerted commercial vehicle enforcement troopers to monitor the area more closely.
Crider said she’s not sure if the problem stems from a lack of truck stop parking space or a lack of enforcement. 'They’re doing what they need to do for their business, but if it makes it unsafe for others, it’s a problem,' she said. The ramp is part of a larger network of I-95 access points in Brevard County, which sees high volumes of commercial traffic. FDOT has not yet announced plans for additional infrastructure changes to address the issue.
The Florida Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to requests for comment on how often they’ve cited trucks for violating the no-parking rules. Crider said she’s relieved FDOT is taking the issue seriously but remains concerned about the long-term solution. 'This is just one ramp, but it feels like it’s a symptom of a bigger problem,' she said.