A proposal has been approved by the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors to redevelop all 27 of the service areas along the Thruway.

The $450 million plan to overhaul the service areas was proposed by Empire State Thruway Partners, which is a consortium of firms led by the John Laing Group. This will be the first time since the 1990s that any significant construction or renovations have been performed at the service areas.

Of the 27 service area buildings, 23 will be rebuilt. The remaining four will undergo “significant renovations and upgrades.”

“The upgrades planned with this redevelopment project include innovative, modern initiatives to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of travelers who use the service areas every day,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll said.

Construction will be done in two phases – 16 service areas starting in 2021 and 11 starting in 2023. There will not be two consecutive service areas in the same direction that are closed for renovations at the same time so that drivers along the Thruway will have places to stop.

Part of the new buildings will be set up to have entrances from the parking lots and gas & diesel pumps. Outside seating with picnic, play, and pet walking areas will also be set up.

Certain buildings will have business centers added for use.

For commercial drivers who use the Thruway, more amenities are being proposed, including more truck parking at stops, shower and laundry stations, healthy snacks, and a fitness center.

New upgrades in technology is also planned to use call ahead ordering, kiosks, and drive-thru services at most of the service areas. In addition, building maintenance systems will be set up to monitor the buildings, schedule predictive maintenance, and alert managers to issues.

Climate controlled pet areas and private areas for nursing mothers will also be added.

I Love NY and Taste NY products will be on display at convenience stores and gift shops inside the service areas. Seasonally, food trucks are

Solar arrays will be integrated into the roofs of the buildings and in some parking areas. Retention ponds and irrigation-free landscaping is also being planned.

A passenger vehicle electric charging station will also be set up at each service area.

The timeframe for the state’s contract with Empire State Thruway Partners is 33 years.

— 13 WHAM