HANCOCK - A familiar stop for travelers along state Route 17 in Delaware County is getting a $4 million renovation, with construction now underway at the East Branch Rest Area on the westbound side of the highway.
The New York State Department of Transportation and the state Office of General Services announced the project, which will modernize the decades-old facility while preserving its existing footprint and character.
Built in the 1960s along the scenic East Branch of the Delaware River, the rest area has served generations of motorists traveling through the Southern Tier.
The renovation will include a new roof, siding, doors and windows, along with updated restrooms featuring new sinks, toilets and other fixtures. New epoxy flooring will provide a more durable, sanitary and easier-to-maintain surface. Landscaping improvements also are planned to better complement the property’s natural surroundings.
The project will include significant upgrades to the facility’s water treatment and sewer systems. A new above-ground structure will house the water tanks, making routine testing and maintenance more accessible for transportation crews.
State officials said moving the tanks above ground will eliminate the need for employees to enter an underground confined space to perform maintenance, improving worker safety while making the work more efficient.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the investment reflects the state’s broader effort to improve transportation infrastructure and make rest areas safer and more welcoming for motorists. She emphasized that modern rest areas provide travelers with opportunities to take breaks safely while exploring New York’s communities and attractions.
Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said the agency is working with the Transportation Department to modernize highway facilities throughout the Southern Tier, improving essential amenities and supporting the region’s communities.
The East Branch parking lot will remain open during construction, although portable toilets will be provided for travelers while the facility’s restrooms are being renovated.
Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when entering and exiting the parking lot while work is underway.
The East Branch project is part of a continuing partnership between the two state agencies to improve rest areas across the Southern Tier.
Construction is also underway at the Nichols Rest Area in the Town of Nichols, Tioga County. Recent rehabilitation projects at the Roscoe Rest Area along eastbound Route 17 in Sullivan County and the Unadilla and East Worcester rest areas along Interstate 88 in Otsego County have been completed.
State officials said the improvements are part of a larger effort to maintain and modernize facilities that connect travelers with the Southern Tier’s communities, businesses and natural attractions.
