Truckers traveling the New York State Thruway will see more parking and increased amenities as part of a $450 million plan to upgrade the interstate’s 27 rest areas.
The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors earlier this week accepted a proposal that includes creating a total of 150 more truck parking spaces and the addition of shower and laundry facilities, fitness centers, and access to healthy snacks for commercial drivers.
Empire State Thruway Partners submitted a plan to rebuild 23 of the 27 service area restaurant buildings and provide significant renovations and upgrades to the remaining four.
Phase one of construction includes 16 service areas with staged reconstruction expected to begin in 2021, according to the Thruway Authority. Phase two includes 11 service areas with renovations expected to begin in January 2023.
The authority said that to ensure continuity of services during construction, no two consecutive service areas in the same direction of travel will be closed for renovations at the same time.
