The Ramapo Travel Plaza, a key service area on the southbound side of the New York State Thruway, has officially reopened to travelers. Located between Exits 16 and 15A, this revitalized rest stop at mile marker 33 in Sloatsburg, NY, welcomed back motorists on Wednesday, marking the completion of an extensive renovation project.
Renovated rest area sign along New York State Thruway highlighting ongoing service area upgrades for travelers
This reopening is part of a significant $450 million investment by the New York State Thruway Authority to overhaul 27 service areas along the Thruway corridor. The Ramapo Travel Plaza southbound is the 18th service area to be completely rebuilt as part of this ambitious initiative, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for the approximately 90,000 vehicles that utilize this section of the Thruway daily, including both commuters and tourists. Closed since January 2023 for the extensive rebuild, the modernized Ramapo Travel Plaza now offers a range of popular and convenient vendors.
Travelers stopping at the newly renovated Ramapo Travel Plaza southbound can now enjoy a variety of food and beverage options, including:
- Shake Shack: Famous for its delicious burgers, fries, and shakes.
- Panera Bread: Offering a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
- Starbucks: Featuring a full Starbucks menu, complete with a convenient drive-thru for those on the go.
- Applegreen C-Store: A convenient store for snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
- Taste of NY products: Showcasing locally made food and beverage items from New York State, providing travelers with a taste of the region.
The popularity of the reopened travel plaza was evident on Wednesday afternoon, with the parking lot nearing full capacity shortly after reopening. Interestingly, a lane closure about six miles north of the service area may have contributed to the initial high traffic volume, as drivers sought a respite during their journey.
Northbound Ramapo Travel Plaza Under Renovation
While the southbound Ramapo Travel Plaza is now open and welcoming visitors, the northbound Sloatsburg rest stop, situated between Exits 15A and 16, is currently undergoing its own renovation. Closed since September 2023, immediately following the Labor Day holiday, the northbound Ramapo Travel Plaza is projected to reopen in the fall. During the renovation period, the Sunoco gas station at the northbound location remains accessible to serve travelers’ fuel needs.
When the northbound Ramapo Travel Plaza reopens, travelers can anticipate a similar array of appealing vendors, including:
- Chick-fil-A: Known for its signature chicken sandwiches and customer service.
- Shake Shack: Providing another opportunity to enjoy their popular menu items.
- Panda Express: Offering familiar and fast Chinese-American cuisine.
- Dunkin’: Serving coffee, donuts, and breakfast items for early morning travelers or those needing a quick pick-me-up.
- Starbucks: Ensuring that northbound travelers also have access to their favorite coffee and beverages.
- Applegreen C-Store: Providing the same convenience store offerings as the southbound location.
The comprehensive renovation of both the northbound and southbound Ramapo Travel Plazas represents a significant upgrade to the travel experience along this busy section of the New York State Thruway. These modern travel plazas are designed to provide a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable break for drivers, enhancing safety and satisfaction for all who travel through New York State.
