Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the reopening of the Modena Service Area on the southbound side of Interstate 87 between exits 18 and 17. This marks the completion of a $450 million private investment project to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas along New York’s Thruway system. The project was funded without toll or tax dollars.
Governor Hochul stated, “New Yorkers should be able to make a pit stop along the Thruway without breaking the bank –– that’s why we’re investing in service area redevelopments that give people affordable and convenient options to take a break from the road. Whether you’re visiting family, checking out a State Park or just passing through, we’re committed to offering the best travel experience New York has to offer.”
The redevelopment initiative began in 2021 and involved rebuilding most restaurant buildings at service areas while renovating others. According to officials, Applegreen, which operates these locations, created approximately 2,000 jobs during construction and contributed over 1.5 million work-hours.
Since reopening began in 2022 with three initial sites, more than 68 million customers have visited Thruway service areas.
Frank G. Hoare, Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority, commented on this milestone: “We’ve reached an incredible milestone in the service area redevelopment project with the 27th and final service area reopening. Whether motorists are commuting, visiting one of New York’s many tourist destinations, or transporting goods supporting New York’s economy, the Thruway’s service areas provide a variety of amenities, restaurant options, as well as commercial trucking services, for every traveler. This project demonstrates the Thruway Authority’s commitment to modernizing our transportation system and enhancing safety and reliability for everyone who travels the Thruway.”
Bob Etchingham, Executive Chairman of Applegreen, said: “The reopening of Modena Service Area marks the completion of a landmark public-private partnership between Applegreen and the New York Thruway Authority. Together, we’ve rebuilt or refurbished all 27 Service Areas along the 570-mile Thruway — creating modern, sustainable, and welcoming spaces for millions of travelers each year — and built a strong foundation for the future of travel and tourism in New York. We’re proud to have delivered on our commitment to redefine roadside hospitality and to have supported thousands of construction jobs along the way. Today, more than 2,000 dedicated colleagues operate our 27 plazas, delivering service 24/7, 365 days a year. We’re grateful to the Thruway Authority for their trust and partnership, and we look forward to serving the people of New York for many years to come.”
Work continues at some sites with electric vehicle charging stations being installed as well as high-speed diesel fueling facilities at select locations.
The newly reopened Modena Service Area features several new restaurants such as Popeyes and Burger King; Pret A Manger and Auntie Anne’s will open soon. Other amenities include Dunkin’ drive-thru access; an Applegreen convenience store; Taste NY food products; playgrounds; outdoor seating; dog walking space; private nursing rooms; digital tourism kiosks; and four Level-3 high-speed EV chargers (to be available later).
Applegreen plans universal fast-charging stations capable of up to 350kW at every location—with up to twelve chargers at larger sites—serving all electric vehicles including Tesla models. There are currently over one hundred Level-3 fast-charging stations available across the Thruway.
Service areas remain open around-the-clock offering food options as well as restrooms plus fuel for both passenger cars and commercial trucks.
Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli remarked: “I am pleased to see the completion of the Thruway Service Area Redevelopment project. With all the service areas now re-opened, motorists across the system will have access to new modern facilities with updated services and amenities. This will continue to make the NYS Thruway one of the best travel routes in the country.”
The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is among America’s oldest interstate highways dating back to its construction in early-1950s—and is also one its longest toll roads—with maintenance primarily funded by tolls paid by drivers rather than tax revenue.
In recent years motorists drove more than eight billion miles annually on this route according to official data. The authority’s current capital plan calls for $2.7 billion in investments from now through 2029—a nearly forty percent increase since approval last year—to improve over half its pavement lane miles plus replace or rehabilitate about twenty percent its bridges.
Toll rates remain lower compared with similar highways elsewhere—less than five cents per mile versus higher rates found on other major turnpikes such as those in Ohio or Pennsylvania.
Officials urge drivers using these roads—including visitors from out-of-state who account for about one-third usage—to observe safety rules especially following expansion earlier this year of state law requiring motorists move over when approaching stopped vehicles along highways.
