The New York State Thruway Authority approved a multi-million dollar plan to renovate or rebuild every service plaza along the Thruway.
On Tuesday, the New York State Thruway Authority board of directors approved a 33 year contract worth at least $450 million to upgrade all 27 service plaza facilities. The contract winner, Empire State Thruway Partners, will provide all of the funding for the service plaza upgrades.
The upgrade plan involves rebuilding 23 service plaza locations and upgrading four others. Construction is expected to start on 16 of the facilities by next year.
This will be the first major upgrade to the New York Thruway service plazas in thirty years.
The plan also involves providing more amenities for commercial vehicle drivers, including expanded truck parking, showers, laundry facilities, and fitness facilities.
The revamped service plazas will also feature new food options, including call ahead ordering and food trucks when the weather permits.
The contract must still be approved by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James before it can move forward.