Travelers along the northbound New York State Thruway, take note! The Sloatsburg Travel Plaza, a crucial rest stop between Exits 15A and 16, has temporarily closed its doors for an exciting renovation project. Starting September 5th, this service area is undergoing a major transformation, promising a significantly enhanced experience for motorists. This closure is part of a broader initiative to modernize and upgrade rest areas across the entire Thruway system.
The familiar eateries at the Sloatsburg northbound plaza, including Sbarro, Burger King, and Auntie Anne’s, have already ceased operations in anticipation of the revamp. The convenience store also closed on September 5th to facilitate the construction work. It’s important to note that while the renovations are underway, the Sunoco fuel station will remain open, providing uninterrupted fuel services for travelers. However, restroom facilities will not be available during this period.
What’s New at Sloatsburg Travel Plaza? A Glimpse into the Future
Get ready for a refreshed and revitalized Sloatsburg Travel Plaza! The renovated plaza is set to feature a diverse range of popular food and beverage options to cater to every taste. Anticipate the arrival of highly sought-after brands such as Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Panda Express, Dunkin’, and Starbucks. For convenient on-the-go purchases, an Applegreen C-Store will also be part of the revamped plaza.
The inclusion of Chick-fil-A at the Sloatsburg Travel Plaza, and other Thruway locations, has sparked some discussion. While known for its popular menu, the chain has faced scrutiny regarding its past contributions to organizations with anti-LGBTQ+ stances and its Sunday closures, which can coincide with peak travel days. Nevertheless, these new dining additions are expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for many Thruway users.
Thruway officials estimate that the Sloatsburg Travel Plaza will reopen in the second quarter of 2024. Signage at the location indicates a reopening target of summer 2024. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly for restroom and dining stops while this northbound Sloatsburg service area is under construction.
Concurrent Renovations at Ramapo Travel Plaza
Interestingly, the Sloatsburg Travel Plaza renovation is not an isolated project. The Ramapo Travel Plaza, situated on the southbound side of the Thruway between Exits 16 and 15A, has also been undergoing a complete rebuild since its closure in January. Motorists passing by can already observe the steel framework of the future plaza taking shape. The Ramapo Travel Plaza is also projected to reopen in the second quarter of 2024.
Similar to Sloatsburg, the Ramapo Travel Plaza will offer an array of new dining choices, including Panera Bread, Panda Express, Shake Shack, and a Starbucks drive-thru, along with an Applegreen C-Store. A Sunoco fuel station remains operational at the Ramapo site, but restroom facilities are currently unavailable due to the ongoing construction.
System-Wide Rest Stop Overhaul: A Modernized Thruway Experience
These renovations at the Sloatsburg and Ramapo Travel Plazas are integral components of a larger, system-wide overhaul impacting rest stops across the 570-mile New York State Thruway. This ambitious project encompasses the complete rebuilding of 23 out of 27 service area restaurant buildings, with the remaining four slated for extensive renovations and upgrades.
This massive undertaking represents an investment of approximately $450 million over a thirty-year contract period, spearheaded by the Thruway Authority and Empire State Thruway Partners – a consortium now under the Applegreen umbrella. In return for this significant investment, Applegreen will manage the restaurants, shops, and facilities at these travel plazas until 2053. This long-term partnership aims to provide Thruway travelers with modern, convenient, and enjoyable rest stop experiences for decades to come. The renovations at Sloatsburg Travel Plaza are a key part of this vision, promising a significantly improved stop for those journeying northbound on the NY Thruway.
