MassDOT chooses new operator for state's highway service plazas

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has selected Applegreen MA Investments, LLC to operate the state's highway service plazas, commencing a major overhaul in 2025. The decision followed a year-long bidding process that included five applicants, culminating in criticism from Waltham-based Global Partners, which lost the contract. Global Partners' COO expressed concerns about favoring a foreign bidder over a local, family-owned business, citing a $500 million gap in financial offers and increased risk. Under a 35-year lease, Applegreen will refurbish nine service plazas and completely rebuild another nine, mainly along the Massachusetts Turnpike. Applegreen's founder projected nearly 2 billion visitors over the lease term, highlighting the importance of quality facilities and service for travelers.

Many of the existing plazas have been operating since the 1950s, making this a significant modernization effort. Local stakeholders are watching closely as the plan unfolds, weighing the benefits of new investment against the loss of a local operator. This transition could set a precedent for future public-private partnerships in Massachusetts.