Skip to Main Content
NYS Thruway Authority Home

For Immediate Release: 10/06/2022  
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov 

TRAVEL ADVISORY- JUNIUS PONDS SERVICE AREA REOPENS ON THE THRUWAY (I-90) WESTBOUND IN ONTARIO COUNTY

New Service Area Features First Full-Time Shake Shack Location in Upstate NY as well as Starbucks, Taste NY Products, Tourism Information and More

Oneida Service Area Now Closed for Construction; Fuel Remains Open

Video of the New Service Area Can Be Found Here

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the new Junius Ponds Service Area (I-90 westbound, mile marker 324) in Phelps, NY is now open to the public. The location is the third new service area to open to Thruway customers as part of the $450 million project to redevelop and modernize all 27 Thruway service areas. The Indian Castle Service Area opened on Aug. 26, followed by the Chittenango Service Area on Sept. 12.

Junius Ponds Service Area

The Junius Ponds Service Area is located on I-90 westbound between exit 41 (Waterloo) and exit 42 (Geneva).

Restaurant options include:

  • Shake Shack (The first full-time Shake Shack location in Upstate NY)
  • Starbucks (Drive-Thru)
  • Applegreen Market Store
  • Taste NY Food and Drink Products

Other amenities include:

  • Outdoor seating
  • Farm market space
  • Food truck space
  • Dog walking area
  • Digital tourism kiosk *
  • Private nursing area *
  • Two level 3 fast EV chargers*

*Not currently operational - Available at a later date

Additionally, with the opening of the Junius Ponds Service Area, the Seneca Service Area (I-90 westbound, mile marker 350) is now closed for construction. Fuel services remain available at all service areas during construction.

All 27 service areas are being redeveloped in a $450 million project with Empire State Thruway Partners. The project is funded through a public-private partnership, and no toll dollars or state tax dollars are being used for construction. Customers can learn more about the service area redevelopment project on the Thruway Authority’s website dedicated to the project and its developments. Customers can view a project map, photo gallery and renderings and more information about the planned amenities and services.

The Thruway Authority's 27 Service Areas are utilized by the 250 million vehicles that travel on the Thruway system every year. Thruway service areas are open 24 hours a day and offer motorists unique 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.

 

###