Travelers on the Garden State Parkway should be aware of a significant service disruption as the Jon Bon Jovi Service Area, a key stop for many, has temporarily closed its doors for an extensive renovation project. This closure, which began on Tuesday and is expected to last until mid-2024, impacts all services including gas, food, and restroom facilities at this location south of the Driscoll Bridge, formerly known as the Cheesequake service area. Commuters should note that while the service area itself is inaccessible, the parking lot will remain open during this period.
Sign about the Jon Bon Jovi service area closure
The closure of the Jon Bon Jovi service area creates a substantial gap in available services for drivers. For approximately 40 miles, motorists will find no refueling or rest stop options between the Colonia Service Areas in Woodbridge and the Judy Blume Service Area in Wall Township. This significant distance without services requires careful trip planning for those traveling on the Garden State Parkway.
Adding to service area disruptions, the New Jersey Turnpike also has ongoing renovation projects. Both the John Fenwick and Clara Barton service areas, located at the southern end of the Turnpike, are currently closed for complete building replacements.
Further closures are anticipated as part of the broader service area modernization initiative. According to Turnpike Authority spokesman Thomas Feeney, the James Gandolfini service area, situated on the northern end of the Parkway in Montvale, is scheduled to close before the end of 2023.
Approximate locations of the Colonia, Jon Bon Jovi and Judy Blume service areas on the Garden State Parkway
These temporary closures are part of a larger effort to modernize and upgrade service areas across New Jersey’s major roadways. Feeney highlighted the extensive scope of this initiative, stating, “Once the work at Fenwick, Barton, Bon Jovi, and Gandolfini is complete, all 21 of the Turnpike Authority-owned service areas on the Turnpike (12) and Parkway (nine) will have been replaced or significantly rehabilitated over the past decade.” This ambitious program aims to enhance the travel experience for millions of drivers using the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
While the specific restaurants and services planned for the renovated Jon Bon Jovi service area and other locations remain undisclosed by Feeney, previous renovations at the Whitney Houston and Connie Chung service areas experienced delays due to supply chain disruptions, suggesting potential complexities in these large-scale projects. It is important to note that the Colonia North and Colonia South service areas are privately owned and are not included in this state-led renovation program.
In summary, the temporary closure of the Jon Bon Jovi service area is a significant event for Garden State Parkway travelers. While it presents short-term inconveniences, it is a necessary step in the long-term plan to modernize and improve service areas throughout New Jersey, ultimately aiming to provide better facilities and services for all drivers in the future.
