Truckers’ Input Sought on N.Y. Thruway Facility Upgrades
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Truckers’ feedback on potential improvements to service areas along the New York State Thruway is being sought to help shape upgrades to 27 locations along the road.
The state’s will through September collect input through its newly launched “.” Information gathered will inform a Request for Proposals on facility upgrades that will open to vendors next year. The state’s current fuel contracts expire in 2027.
“As we prepare for the next generation of fueling services, this comprehensive survey is a critical step in ensuring that upgrades reflect the real needs and expectations of both commercial and noncommercial drivers,” said Frank G. Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority. “We’re inviting all users to help shape the future of fueling on New York’s Main Street.”
The thruway, a 570-mile highway that crosses the state, is one of the longest toll roads in the nation. It connects New York City and Buffalo, the state’s two largest cities.
Last year, more than 21.4 million people stopped at the thruway’s 27 service areas, purchasing more than 58.2 million gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline. In 2024, the Thruway Authority processed some 400 million transactions from motorists who drove a total of 8.2 billion miles along the road.
Owned by the Authority and operated through concessionaire agreements, the thruway’s 27 service areas provide fuel, restaurants and other amenities for travelers. All of the centers are open 24/7 daily.
The survey into fueling services follows a massive effort to upgrade food, shopping, restrooms and other amenities at the service centers. In 2021, the Authority embarked on a $450 million public-private partnership with Empire State Thruway Partners to revamp these 27 facilities without the use of tolls or tax dollars for construction.
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This year, the Authority was allocated a budget of $477.3 million for dedicated spending on capital projects, up $33 million over the 2024 budget.
“The increased investment will lead to work on approximately 61% of the thruway’s more than 2,800 pavement lane miles as well as the replacement or rehabilitation of 20% of the thruway’s 817 bridges,” according to the thruway.
The Thruway Authority is making the survey available through its website, and said the questionnaire takes about 4 minutes to complete. Views are being sought on topics that include convenience store features, payment options, preferred fuel types, sustainability initiatives and improvement suggestions.
Input Topics for Commercial Drivers
- Truck parking availability
- Fuel purchase habits
- Travel patterns
- Electric vehicle readiness for medium- and heavy-duty EVs
The Authority is expected to complete its last service area modernization project by the end of this year. The thruway was built between 1949 and 1960. It is among the oldest segments of the national highway interstate system.
“The thruway is one of the safest roadways in the country with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and customers,”the agency said.
“The Thruway Authority is dedicated to providing a modern, efficient and customer-first experience for every traveler that uses our system,” Hoare added.
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