An investigation into the condition of New York State Thruway rest stops has revealed cracks in the walls of every major plaza in the Rochester area. Cracks, some patched and painted over, were visible at the Clarence rest stop, with horizontal and diagonal lines apparent on multiple sides of the building. Drivers traveling through the area expressed concern about the extent of the damage.
Similar wall cracks were also observed at Thruway rest stops in Pembroke and Clifton Springs. All three locations were rebuilt in 2023 under a state contract with Applegreen to modernize 27 rest stops along the Thruway, with walls constructed by Vancouver-based Nexii. The Thruway deferred questions to Applegreen, which stated that ongoing repairs are being conducted and that the cracks do not pose any safety risk to the public.
The renovations, approved in 2020 for $450 million, marked the first major upgrades to the rest stops in nearly three decades. Work on all 27 locations was completed in late November, with the Modena Service Area reopening on Nov. 29. The project operates under a 33-year public-private partnership, in which builders assume responsibility for cost overruns and share a portion of sales revenue with the Thruway Authority.