Worst rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike – No food, no restrooms

When Superstorm Sandy slammed New Jersey, the food court area at the Grover Cleveland Rest Stop on north side of the NJ Turnpike, between exits 11 and 12 was flooded and had to be shut down. Two-and-a-half years later the facility is still closed, and last week a trailer of portable bathrooms was suddenly removed.

Many drivers stopping at the rest area expressed anger and dismay.

"I think that's horrible, to know there's no food or no bathroom is disgusting," said Abby from South Jersey. "You don't want to pull over in an unsafe place or on the highway if you have to go to the bathroom, it makes no sense."

Another traveler frowned when told of the situation.

"It strikes me as, if it takes two years to like re-do a spot, that's kind of ridiculous, especially along a major thoroughfare at an exit that's close to where you're going to be going into the city, it's kind of like a last ditch effort if you have to go to the bathroom," he said.

George, a Margate resident who visited the travel plaza, was also upset.

"I think it's deplorable," he said. "I mean Sandy was two-and-a-half years ago. I don't know why they haven't fixed it, I guess maybe there's not enough money serving food. People get tired, they need a cup of coffee often while they're driving, and it's a shame it's not available."

Sylvia from Hackensack said, "I think it's a commentary about the slow recovery from Sandy. It does stink."

One driver looked visibly upset when told everything was closed.

"I actually would like to use the restroom right now, and the next place is 26 miles, I think it said. It's not cool," the driver said.

Harry from Bayonne said the situation will be especially difficult for truck drivers who visit the rest stop.

"It's insane. What are these guys supposed to do when they pull in here, these truckers? I mean people, need a break," he said.

Tom Feeney, a spokesman for the NJ Turnpike Authority, said in an email that the rebuilding of the food court has been delayed by insurance company and permitting issues, but the work should begin shortly.

"The temporary bathroom trailer was removed in preparation for construction. There is not enough room on the site to safely accommodate the bathrooms, parking and the construction site," Feeney said. "We've had a sign lit up since last month telling people that there are no restrooms in the service area."

The small electronic message sign was visible as drivers pulled off the highway into the rest area and Feeney also indicated on the Turnpike website "just to avoid any confusion, I'm going to have them add the words, 'No restrooms available.'"