Some drivers see construction at the eight service plazas on Florida's Turnpike as too much of a headache during the holiday season.
Bonnie Whipkey and her husband often travel the toll road from North Florida up to five times a month. They view the toll plazas as islands of renourishment, but lately, their stops have required them to navigate barricades, construction crews, and crowds for a cup of coffee.
"I've noticed the exceptionally long lines at Dunkin' Donuts and they are sometimes out the door," said Whipkey.
The Florida Department of Transportation is renovating all eight service plazas along the 460-mile route.
"The current structures that are there were last modified in the 80s, " said Florida's Turnpike Public Information Officer Chad Huff.
The renovations include bigger restaurants, new bathrooms, and more parking.
"They're going to be energy efficient, but what I think the traveling customer will notice is that, in many cases, they're a lot bigger," said Huff.
Huff said the $163 million project is a public-private partnership, which has been paid for mostly by the private contractor who operates the plazas. The state's $60 million share will come from tolls, not taxes.
"Florida's Turnpike is a limited access facility. We receive no gas tax money. We rely on our toll dollars," said Huff.
But the project will not be finished before the holidays, meaning drivers traveling the Turnpike for Thanksgiving and Christmas can expect long lines and parking problems at the plazas. To keep things moving, Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be directing traffic. There will also be smart signs along the road to let drivers know if they'd be better off going on to the next stop.
"We like to say, 'Pardon our dust, have patience with us.' We're doing the best we can, but when we're finished it'll all be worth it," said Huff.