State Agencies Announce Beginning of Construction on East Branch Rest Area Renovation Project in Delaware County

State Agencies Announce Beginning of Construction on East Branch Rest Area Renovation Project in Delaware County

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) today announced the start of a $4 million renovation of the East Branch Rest Area along westbound State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock, Delaware County - an investment that will give a familiar stop along the Southern Tier a refresh.

Built in the 1960s and nestled along the scenic East Branch of the Delaware River, the rest area has welcomed generations of travelers making their way through the Southern Tier. The renovation project will preserve the facility's character and footprint while creating a more comfortable experience for travelers and the employees who maintain the space.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Every dollar invested in transportation infrastructure is an investment in public safety. Governor Hochul knows that transportation is more than just roads and bridges-it's about making every part of the journey safer and more welcoming for all travelers. That's why we continue to reimagine rest areas as modern spaces where travelers can take a break, safely send a text, and discover all that the Empire State has to offer. The East Branch Rest Area has served generations of travelers and now, through our partnership with OGS, we're not only preserving what makes this scenic stop so special but preparing it to serve future generations."

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "Rest areas are critical to New York's transportation infrastructure and driver safety. In support of Governor Hochul's commitment to modernizing our state's highways, OGS is proud to work with NYSDOT to transform rest areas across the Southern Tier, starting with the East Branch Rest Area. Together, we are enhancing highway reliability, upgrading essential amenities, and delivering on our promise to invest in the continued vitality of upstate communities."

The renovated facility will feature a new roof, siding, doors and windows, and updated restrooms with new sinks, toilets, and other fixtures. Durable new epoxy flooring will provide a cleaner, more sanitary and easy-to-maintain surface. Fresh landscaping will also help modernize the facility while better complementing its natural setting along the Delaware River.

Some of the most important improvements to the facility will happen out of sight. The project will include the installation of new water treatment and sewer system, including a new above-ground structure to house the facility's water tanks. Moving the tanks above ground will make routine water testing and maintenance easier and more efficient for NYSDOT crews while eliminating the need for employees to enter an underground confined space to perform that work-saving time and ensuring greater safety for workers.

The parking lot will remain open throughout the project, with portable toilets available for travelers. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027.

The East Branch Rest Area renovation is part of an ongoing collaboration between OGS and NYSDOT to improve rest areas throughout the Southern Tier. Construction is currently underway at the Nichols Rest Area, in the Town of Nichols, Tioga County, while recent rehabilitation projects at the Roscoe Rest Area along eastbound State Route 17 in Sullivan County, and the Unadilla and East Worcester rest areas, both located on I-88 in Otsego County, were recently completed.

Together these projects reflect a broader commitment to maintaining the places that connect New Yorkers and visitors to the communities, businesses and natural beauty of the Southern Tier.

Both departments thank travelers for their patience as this work gets underway and encourage motorists to use caution when entering and exiting the East Branch parking lot during construction.

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

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About the New York State Office of General Services

Since 1960, the Office of General Services has provided essential support to keep New York State government operations running smoothly. OGS looks after the buildings where state government happens, delivers innovative solutions and provides shared services for New Yorkers, champions environmental sustainability, preserves world-class art collections, and creates meaningful opportunities for businesses and people.

OGS provides high-quality design, contracting, and construction management services to more than 50 state agencies for their capital construction needs.

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