Thruway Authority Announces Upcoming Changes at Select Service Areas as Part of the Modernization Project

On Jan. 1, 2023, Ramapo and Warners Service Areas Will Close for Construction

Nine McDonald’s Restaurants Across Thruway System Will Also End Operations on Jan. 1 and Be Replaced by a Variety of Food and Beverage Options

No Two Consecutive Service Areas in the Same Direction of Travel Will Be Closed for Renovations at the Same Time

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced upcoming changes that will impact 11 service areas on the New York State Thruway starting Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. The changes are part of the project to redevelop the 27 Thruway service areas. The project, which began in Summer 2021, is funded through a public-private partnership, and no toll dollars or state tax dollars are being used.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the Ramapo service area (located on I-87 south between exit 16 and exit 15A) and the Warners service area (located on I-90 west between exit 39 and exit 40) will close for construction. Both facilities will be entirely rebuilt and will include updated restaurant concepts, Taste NY food and drink products, outdoor seating, seasonal food trucks, playgrounds and pet walking areas among other amenities. Fuel services will remain available at both locations during construction. To ensure continuity of services to Thruway customers during construction, no two consecutive service areas in the same direction of travel will be closed for renovations at the same time.

Per its contract, the nine remaining McDonald’s restaurants located within Thruway service areas will end operations on Jan. 1, 2023. These restaurants will be replaced at all locations with temporary dining options including Applegreen C-Stores offering an assortment of hot food items as well as grab-and-go sandwiches and wraps, salads, coffee, snacks, drinks and more. The Applegreen C-Stores will be open to travelers 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and also feature Taste NY products and merchandise. Select service areas may include Sbarro, Subway or Burger King. Hours of operation may vary by location. Travelers are encouraged to visit the Thruway Authority’s website or the Thruway mobile app (Android and iPhone) for updated food options and dining hours.

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Following a competitive bidding process, Empire State Thruway Partners was awarded a contract to rebuild 23 of the 27 service area restaurant buildings and provide significant renovations and upgrades to the remaining four. Three new Thruway service areas have already reopened including Indian Castle, Chittenango, and Junius Ponds. Eleven service areas will be closed for construction as of Jan. 1, 2023.

The Thruway Authority's 27 Service Areas are accessible to the 250 million vehicles that travel on the Thruway system every year. Thruway service areas are open 24 hours a day and offer motorists various food and retail options, restroom facilities and fueling for passenger and commercial vehicles. Taste NY Farm Markets and Tourism Information Centers are also available at select locations.