Long-distance truckers will soon find it easier to park their big rigs off Interstate 4, thanks to $180 million in federal funding dedicated truck parking spots along the thoroughfare.

Truck parking is a well-documented nationwide problem, but along Central Florida's heavily congested Interstate 4, the issue is particularly acute, with little relief in sight. 

Keith Mullin felt lucky he found a space to park his truck Oct. 6 at an Interstate 4 rest area in Longwood, Fla., after a 20-hour trip from central Wisconsin.

The inadequacy of truck rest areas in Central Florida recently became apparent in Seminole County as an increasing number of truckers started parking along the shoulders of Interstate 4 near the two rest stops just north of state Road 434 for lack of empty spaces.