This site near Binghamton was selected as an example of a highway station located along a busy interstate that serves both cars and trucks. Binghamton has a population of 48,000 and sits at the intersection of interstate highways 81 and 86, near the Pennsylvania border. The site is in the town of Kirkwood, just east of Binghamton. There are truck depots, factories and warehouses nearby that increase the traffic to the station. Many similar stations around the state and the country can use this as a prototype. 

In the existing station, there are 10 gas pumps, a convenience store, a Wendy’s restaurant with drive through window, a dog relief area, 7 diesel pumps for trucks, a truck scale and a truck tire repair garage. Four electric charging stations are located at the edge of the parking area. A local bus service also stops at this site.

Design goals:

• Renovate the station to make it more comfortable for longer stays needed for EV charging as well as for truck drivers making rest stops.

• Plan for more electric cars as well as long haul electric trucks in the future.

• Create a better connection with nature with landscaping especially in food service and waiting areas.

• Design for regeneration with solar panels added to the existing roofs and new canopies.

• Design for additional rainwater detention and provide permeable paving. 

• Add places for RV camping along the perimeter as well as a walking trail. 

This prototype could be applied to existing highway stops across the state and the country. This type of highway stop is evolving its design as electric vehicles are accommodated, including this example from Norway where electric vehicles are more common. Unfortunately these changes are often limited to adding a few charging stations without improving places to wait while charging. As the transition to EVs proceeds, more charging spots will be needed and there will be competition for the business. Some highway locations are adding RV camping spots and other services to increase their appeal. Camp sites are planned here for RVs, similar to new highway stations. The design adds outdoor seating along with a walking trail. The site overlooks the pond on the adjacent site. There is an opportunity to coordinate with the town of Kirkwood that owns this site for improvements like a trail and parking for local residents, providing benefits for everyone.