Press Release  MassDOT Announces Revamped Service Plazas Procurement to Strengthen Oversight, Competitiveness and Efficiency

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) today announced 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 (P3) Commission that will provide independent oversight throughout development of the Request for Proposals. The Commission is expected to be formed this spring. Governor Maura Healey will appoint four individuals with significant transportation experience. The Senate President, House Speaker, and State Treasurer will each appoint one additional member.

The public private partnership model will allow the state to combine strong public oversight with private sector investment and operational expertise to modernize the plazas more quickly and efficiently than could be achieved through traditional delivery methods.

“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,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “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 the new approach, the 18 service plazas will be bundled into three groups. Potential bidders will have the flexibility to submit proposals for one, two, or all three bundles. MassDOT expects this structure to expand the pool of qualified bidders and encourage more competitive proposals.

“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,” said Transportation Undersecretary and Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “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.”

The Request for Proposals will also include a Base Technical Concept to provide consistent guidance to bidders and allow the Selection Committee to more effectively evaluate and compare submissions.

MassDOT will host an Industry Day on March 25, 2026 to discuss the upcoming procurement with prospective operators, designers, builders, consultants, and contractors. The session will provide an overview of the anticipated procurement structure and timeline. MassDOT currently expects to release the Request for Proposals in summer 2026. Following the evaluation process, the recommendation(s) for award will be presented to the MassDOT Board of Directors. Transition to a new operator is expected to begin in early 2027, with new leases effective July 1, 2027.

Through this procurement, MassDOT aims to modernize all 18 service plazas to better serve residents and visitors while optimizing rent revenues. Improvements are expected to include expanded food and beverage options, modern and accessible restrooms, travel and gift retail featuring Massachusetts related products, and convenient fueling choices including gasoline, diesel, and electric vehicle charging.

MassDOT will also launch a public outreach survey in conjunction with Industry Day. The survey will remain open from today, March 13, through May 3 to capture feedback during spring vacation travel periods in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.

In addition, MassDOT will conduct a brief survey of Industry Day attendees and offer one-on-one meetings with qualified industry representatives to gather feedback on the procurement approach.

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