The Ramapo rest stop on the Thruway recently reopened after being closed for renovations since 2023.

"It looks really cool inside,” said the Fassler family from Walton, NY. "I'm very happy that there is a Starbucks and a Panera here."

"The rest stop is wonderful,” said Richard Hessney, of Macedon, NY. "They've got all these great places, a Starbucks, and all kinds of food. And amazing restrooms, and dryers for your hands at every faucet. It's a major upgrade."

The upgrades were completed in time for July 4 holiday travel.

A Thruway authority spokesperson says the improvements are part of a public private partnership. With private funding of $450 million to rebuild 23 of 27 service areas and enhancements to the other four. Ramapo is the project's 18th renovated rest stop.

News 12 was told that 1.2 million travelers use the Ramapo rest stop every year.