Drivers on Interstate 395 South in Montville have no doubt seen the steady progress of the renovations to the highway rest stop across from the Troop E State Police Barracks.
Trailers have been setup near the building staffed by contractors and construction vehicles have been seen entering and exiting the site.
The front brick of the building was replaced with large clear glass windows. Through those windows, drivers have seen new walls completely transforming the formerly drab convenience store.
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The former automotive garage has been removed and renovated and new solar panels have been installed.
New signs have been erected both on the building and outside with the new vendor’s names.
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An electronic sign has also been installed that will display the current gas price.
Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts will be opening outlets inside the service plaza building alongside a newly renovated Mobil Mart convenience store with new restrooms.
The parcel does not allow room for drive-thru service but customers can enjoy a small patio seating area which will soon be built.
While the diesel pump was removed, new gasoline pumps were installed which will continue to offer travelers Mobil-branded gas.
The service plaza, nestled between exits 79A and 79, is expected to reopen at the end of August or early September, said Mike Modine, Director of Operations for Project Service, LLC, the Milford-based contractor responsible for renovating the state’s 23 highway service plazas.
According to Modine, the plaza will be identical to the recently renovated service plazas in Plainfield further north on Interstate 395 between exits 89 and 90.
This will be the first time that fresh food offerings will be available at Montville’s lone rest stop which is expected to be popular with tourists and residents alike.
It likely will be used by folks leaving the casinos and going southbound from the exit 79A interchange toward Interstate 95.
The reopening of Montville’s service plaza will complete the service plaza renovation project on Interstate 395.
Service plazas on Interstate 95 in Milford and Darien have already been renovated and reopened along with plazas on Route 15 in North Haven and Fairfield.
