KENNEBUNK (AP) – Motorists on the Maine Turnpike will be able to perk themselves up with lattes and cappuccinos when new rest stops begin service next year.

The Maine Turnpike Authority on Friday released details of its planned $24 million rest stop renovation program that includes new structures, parking and restaurants in Kennebunk, as well as an all-new rest stop to be completed in 2008 in Gardiner.

The renovations are part of the turnpike’s 10-year capital improvement plan, said Dan Paradee, spokesman for the turnpike authority.

Both of Kennebunk’s rest stops will be completely replaced with new buildings built behind the current structures.

The Kennebunk rest stops will include a Starbucks as well as Burger King, Sbarro, Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits, a convenience store called Z-Market and Freshens Frozen Treats.

Also in the works is a new rest stop in West Gardiner that will replace existing, underutilized rest stops in Lewiston and Litchfield, Paradee said.

Peter Merfeld, chief operations officer for the turnpike authority, said the authority will buy three properties encompassing 39 acres for the West Gardiner facility. The West Gardiner facility will include a Starbucks as well as an array of restaurants that include Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut.

The projects are expected to be paid for through a combination of bonds and cash reserves. There will be no toll increases, Paradee said.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-03-04-06 1136EST

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