NY Thruway Reopens 18th Rest Area

The Ramapo service area, which is along Interstate 87 south between exits 16 and 15A, is the 18th rest area to reopen since the project began in 2021. Two-thirds of the rest areas in the Thruway highways were rebuilt in three years.

The project is being led by Applegreen, which won a 33-year contract to operate the rest areas.

Ramapo is the second rest area to reopen this week. The Scottsville service area, located along Interstate 90 near Rochester, reopened Tuesday.

Frank Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority, noted that both rest areas reopened ahead of the summer season.

“In honor of the Thruway’s 70th anniversary this year, this project is just one of many initiatives we are undertaking to improve and modernize the Thruway system, ensuring a better and more efficient experience for all travelers,” he said. he declared.

At over 20,000 square feet, Ramapo is among the largest service areas on the Thruway. The new facility has three restaurants – Panera, Shake Shack and Starbucks – and a fourth, Panda Express, will open at a later date.

An Applegreen convenience store is located inside the rest area. Taste NY drinks and food will be sold on site.

Other amenities at Ramapo include a climate-controlled pet enclosure, a digital visitor kiosk, a dog walking area, outdoor seating, a playground and a private grooming area. Four Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the service area.

The service area modernization project will be completed next year. Applegreen expects 24 of the 27 rest areas to reopen by the end of this year. The remaining service areas will be open by fall 2025.