New NY Thruway rest stop near Syracuse is first with feature for people with disabilities

Mar. 25—The advocacy of a state legislator helped make a New York State Thruway rest stop near Syracuse the first with an amenity for people with disabilities.

The Thruway Authority announced Monday the reopening of the Warners Service Area on Interstate 90 west in Onondaga County. The rest stop was rebuilt as part of a $450 million project led by Applegreen, the company that was awarded a 33-year contract to operate the Thruway's 27 service areas.

Warners is the first rest stop with an adult changing station. State Sen. Pam Helming, who represents the Finger Lakes region, said she initiated conversations with the Thruway Authority several years ago about adding adult changing stations at service areas.

It's common for restrooms to have diaper changing stations for families with small children, but there is a lack of adult-size changing stations in public places for individuals with disabilities.

Helming, R-Canandaigua, credited Joanie Mahoney, chair of the Thruway Authority's board of directors, for being receptive to adding adult changing stations in service areas.

"The opening of the first of five adult changing stations is welcome news to me, but more importantly, to our citizens with disabilities and special needs and their families and caregivers," Helming said. "These stations are about dignity and respect, and on a practical level, will help families plan their travel to meet their needs."

Adult changing stations will be placed at Angola, Ontario, Pattersonville and Sloatsburg service areas along the Thruway. Those rest stops are slated to reopen later this year or in 2025.

Other amenities at Warners Service Area include three restaurants — Burger King, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks — and an Applegreen convenience store. There is a digital tourism kiosk, dog walking area, outdoor seating and a private nursing area for mothers. Four level 3 electric vehicle chargers will be available at a later date.

Warners is the 15th rest stop to be rebuilt since the service area reconstruction project began in July 2021.

"The Service Area Redevelopment project is more than halfway complete, and with the opening of the Warners Service Area, we're increasing accessibility for motorists with the addition of an adult changing station," said Frank Hoare, acting executive director of the Thruway Authority. "Adult changing stations provide those with special needs a safe and secure space for caregivers to provide assistance."

The Thruway rest stop improvements will be completed by fall 2025. Twenty-three of the rest stops are being rebuilt, while four service areas will be renovated.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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