James Gandolfini Service Area to Reopen After Soil Contamination Delay

MONTVALE, N.J. — The James Gandolfini Service Area on the Garden State Parkway, named after the late actor who famously portrayed mob boss Tony Soprano, is set to reopen by the end of this month after a delay caused by soil contamination. The service area, located in Bergen County, has been closed since December 2023 for renovations.

Tom Feeney, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, confirmed that construction resumed months ago after the contamination was remediated. “The main service area building should open by the end of the month,” Feeney said. The Sunoco gas station at the site is also expected to open around the same time.

The service area, which closed for renovations on Dec. 4, 2023, will feature Dunkin’, Burger King, Auntie Anne’s, Nathan’s, and an Applegreen market upon reopening. The project is part of a larger $250 million initiative announced in 2017 by former Gov. Chris Christie. The upgrades are funded by the company operating the service areas, which holds a 25-year contract.

Since the project began, eight new service area buildings have been constructed, and six existing structures have been refurbished. The Gandolfini and Jon Bon Jovi service areas on the Parkway, along with the Clara Barton and John Fenwick service areas on the Turnpike, were the last four to be completed. The John Fenwick and Clara Barton service areas, located in Oldhams Township, Salem County, were demolished and replaced with new buildings.

The $250 million project has replaced or rebuilt all service areas on both toll roads, except for the Frank Sinatra and Bruce Willis service areas, which had already been renovated. The Colonia North and South service areas on the Parkway in Woodbridge remain privately owned and operated, though new convenience stores and gas stations have been constructed there by private owners.

James Gandolfini, born in New Jersey in 1961, gained fame for his role in the hit TV show “The Sopranos.” He died in 2013 after suffering a heart attack. The service area named in his honor is a testament to his lasting legacy in the state.