New York State Thruway Rest Stops Report Massive Growth

Sales at some of the newly renovated New York State Thruway rest stops in New Baltimore and Plattekill have led to a record sales year for the NYS Thruway.

Back in 2021, the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) announced that it was starting a $450 million private investment project to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas along the 500+ mile highway. The multi-million-dollar investment provided much-needed makeovers to all of the thruways' rest areas, adding new food options, fuel, services, and much more.

At the time, many wondered if the investment would pay off.

New York State Thruway Reports Record Revenue

Yes, the massive investment has officially paid off as the Thruway has reported that for the first time in its 71-year history, its revenue has surpassed $1 billion. According to Yahoo, numerous factors have led to the record revenue, including raising tolls in 2024 and the reopening of 12+ newly renovated rest areas. Most of the new rest stops offer new food options for drivers and have resulted in $136 million in sales in 2024.

Hudson Valley Rest Stop Brings in Millions

The New Baltimore service area at mile Post 127 in New Baltimore, NY, led the way in restaurant revenue with $18.4 million in sales, due in large part to the addition of Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks. The Plattekill rest stop at milepost 65 on the northbound side of the thruway in Wallkill, NY, came in a close second with $16.5 million in revenue.

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Many believe the success at Plattekill is due in large part to it being the only Chick-fil-A location in the Hudson Valley. The rest stop also offers Burger King, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Auntie Anne's, and a 24-hour Applegreen convenience store.

2025 is expected to result in even better, "The busy summer travel season is around the corner and with 26 of 27 service areas reopened, motorists are enjoying the full benefits of modern and updated facilities featuring popular food and beverage options as well as many other travel amenities including the build out of an end-to-end Electric Vehicle charging network,” said Thruway spokeswoman Jennifer Givner.