A major investment is coming to Massachusetts highways—one that will affect thousands of daily travelers and drivers across the state.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has launched a $750 million plan to either rebuild or renovate nearly 20 highway service plazas throughout the state. The effort is part of a long-term goal to improve public infrastructure, modernize aging facilities, and support both sustainability and local job growth.
“Massachusetts’ highway service plazas are long overdue for a complete reset,” said Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Transportation Secretary and CEO of MassDOT. “This investment will deliver the kind of infrastructure travelers expect in a world-class state – and do so in a way that supports local workers and businesses.”
What the Project Includes
This multi-year plan focuses on 18 service plaza locations, each receiving upgrades to amenities, rest areas, and sustainability systems. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and will continue over three years.
MassDOT has selected two partners for the job: Suffolk Construction, based in Massachusetts, and Applegreen, a European fuel and convenience store company that will operate the sites once they are complete.
Hundreds of Jobs Expected
As construction moves forward, it’s expected to create substantial job opportunities across the state.
“This project will create hundreds of good jobs paying union wages and benefits under the terms of a Project Labor Agreement guaranteeing it will be built by highly skilled, local tradesmen and (tradeswomen) trained in union apprenticeship programs,” said Frank Callahan, president of Massachusetts’ Building Trades Unions. “It also opens up great career opportunities for young apprentices entering the industry.”
Protecting Existing Jobs and Expanding Opportunity
Applegreen confirmed that current employees at the service plazas will be offered continued employment during the transition. Hiring events and informational sessions will begin later this year to help prepare both current and new employees for the change.
Public Feedback Will Help Shape the Project
As part of the development process, community members will be invited to provide input on everything from local vendor choices to service offerings. The Consensus Building Institute will lead these efforts to ensure that the final result reflects regional needs.
“This is a long-overdue modernization of vital economic infrastructure,” said James E. Rooney, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Modern rest stops support regional mobility, quality of life, and competitiveness – and they should reflect the best of what Massachusetts has to offer.”
Looking Ahead
A full list of the 18 service plazas being updated—and the specific amenities each one will receive—is available online through MassDOT.
Stay tuned for further updates as Massachusetts reshapes the travel experience along its highways for years to come.
Source: Land Line Media
