The start of a new procurement process for the rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of 18 highway service plazas across Massachusetts.
The procurement will be conducted in coordination with a Public Private Partnership Commission that will provide independent oversight throughout development of the Request for Proposals. The commission is expected to be formed this spring, with Governor Maura Healey appointing four individuals with significant transportation experience and additional members appointed by the Senate President, House Speaker, and State Treasurer.
According to Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, “Service plazas and the services they provide enhance safety for travelers from near and far, offering food, fuel, a place to rest, and other amenities. MassDOT is committed to utilizing the best procurement method that can best facilitate robust interest and competition to deliver facilities that can best serve the needs of the traveling public. We will seek industry input as we develop and issue this next contract opportunity, with clear expectations and criteria to deliver clean, safe, and welcoming service plazas for all. The public deserves and expects a top-notch customer experience, and this best value procurement will make that a priority.”
Under this approach, the 18 service plazas will be bundled into three groups. Potential bidders may submit proposals for one, two or all three bundles. MassDOT said it expects this structure to expand the pool of qualified bidders and encourage more competitive proposals. Transportation Undersecretary and Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said: “This is the first public private partnership (P3) procurement the Commonwealth has undertaken for highway facilities, and our goal is to create a process that brings forward innovative proposals while delivering long term value for travelers and taxpayers. By structuring the plazas into multiple bundles, we are creating stronger competition and opening the door to new ideas that will modernize these facilities and deliver the best long-term value for Massachusetts.”
MassDOT plans to host an Industry Day on March 25 to discuss upcoming procurement details with prospective operators, designers, builders, consultants, and contractors. The department expects to release its Request for Proposals in summer 2026; following evaluation processes recommendations will go before its Board of Directors. Transition to a new operator is expected in early 2027 with new leases effective July 1.
Through this initiative MassDOT aims to modernize all service plazas by expanding food options; updating restrooms; adding retail featuring Massachusetts products; improving fueling choices including electric vehicle charging; conducting public outreach surveys through May 3; surveying Industry Day attendees; offering one-on-one meetings with industry representatives according to the official roster page.
