Clifton Springs Thruway service area reopens; Chick-fil-A to open there soon
Nearly two years after shutting down for reconstruction, the Clifton Springs Service Area on the New York State Thruway has reopened, the Thruway Authority announced March 28.
Located on Interstate 90 east between exits 43 (Manchester, Ontario County) and 42 (Geneva), it is the fifth new service area to reopen as part of a $450 million project to redevelop the 570-mile superhighway’s 27 service areas by 2025.
The rest stop, closed by the work in July 2021, has a Shake Shack, a Starbucks drive-thru and an Applegreen Market Store.
Also on the premises are a Chick-fil-A and an Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop, which will open soon, the authority said in a statement.
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The agency pointed out that the Clifton Springs stop measures more than 20,000 square feet. That makes it triple the size of the first three to open — Indian Castle, Chittenango and Junius Ponds — which travelers have complained are cramped.
The Clifton Springs stop also has outdoor seating, farm-market space and an area to walk dogs.
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A playground, a climate-controlled pet enclosure, a private nursing area and six high-speed EV charges are forthcoming.
The authority added that the Port Byron Service Area on I-90 east between exits 41 (Waterloo) and 40 (Weedsport, Cayuga County) is now closed for reconstruction, but gas pumps are open.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY Thruway Clifton Springs service area reopens; Chick-fil-A to come
