Thruway Travel Plazas Set For Upgrades Statewide

After taking more than 2,500 suggestions into consideration, New York state seeks to upgrade the travel plazas along the New York State Thruway including the multiple locations in the Hudson Valley.

The Times Herald-Record reports a request for proposals has been released and feedback from the community was used to help determine what they're looking for. Among the improvements requested were drive-through service for commuters and additional parking for truck drivers.

The local plazas in Ulster and Rockland Counties were last remodeled in the 1990s and respondents to the survey suggested an overhaul of both the interior and exterior of the facilities. The RFP seeks to upgrade all 27 plazas statewide through public-private partnerships.

As far as next-generation requests, a majority of respondents said charging stations for electric vehicles were not a huge priority. But a growing number stated it could be a factor for them in five years. Should officials prioritize charging stations or are they just a fad?

Companies must submit their proposals for plaza remodel work by February 11th, 2019.