WEST GARDINER -- By the time you read this, the newest service plaza along the Maine Turnpike will be feeding, fueling and hosting travelers, truckers -- and more than likely, a few locals.

The West Gardiner Service Plaza on Route 126 at the confluence of the turnpike and Interstate 295 was to open for business at 8 a.m. today.

The opening -- three days earlier than the contracted date -- was announced Thursday night during a preview of the facility that attracted more than 200 people.

Merton Hickey, a West Gardiner selectman, looked around at the brightly lit rotunda with its white globes and white panels rising above a seating area surrounded by restaurants and shops.

"It's not West Gardiner," he said as he waited for the opening ceremonies. "More like Portland or Boston."

The turnpike's newest service plaza -- and the only one to serve two other roadways -- is located at the mile 103 exit on the Maine Turnpike.

The facility, originally estimated at $13 million but built for $11.5 million, offers restaurants, rest rooms, fuel, crafts by Maine artisans and tourist information. It is accessible from Route 126 and I-295.

On Thursday evening, the front parking lot, which holds 150 cars, was almost filled. Parking for 35 tractor trailers is behind the building.

Guests explored the center of the plaza building, drinking water, munching on snacks, peeking into rest rooms and admiring the offerings in the Center for Maine Craft.

"We have some very talented artists," said Lisa Adkins, executive assistant of the Maine Crafts Association, which operates the center.

She said employees and others were still setting up displays minutes before the doors opened.

Josette Malacaria, of Auburn, one of the 75 new employees at the plaza, said restaurant workers were training last week and this week.

Workers at Quiznos, Starbucks, Burger King, Hershey's Ice Cream and Z-Market listened as dignitaries described the planning and interagency cooperation that went into the facility.

"I think it's great," said Earl Adams, of Pittston, a former commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management and a former member of the board of the Maine Turnpike Authority. "This one will probably pick up more local traffic than the (other rest areas)."

Paul Violette, executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority and Jerry Conley, authority chairman, welcomed guests and Gov. John Baldacci to the preview and ribbon cutting.

"The opening of this facility marks the successful completion of a three-year program to upgrade and modernize all the facilities along the Maine Turnpike," Conley said.

Turnpike officials estimate the improved facilities at Kennebunk, Cumberland, Gray and West Gardiner will generate an average of $7 million a year in rental income over the next 30 years.

"It will generate revenue for road and bridge repair, revenue that does not have to be raised through tolls," Conley said.

The plaza was designed to fill a gap in rest areas for truckers and travelers along the turnpike and the interstate. It was a joint project of the Maine Turnpike Authority, the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

"This kind of showcases Maine's unique variety and how we get things done," Baldacci said.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com