MassDOT Set to Kick Off Annual Farmer’s Market Program at Highway Service Plazas

Expands from 11 Turnpike to All 18 Highway Service Plazas

 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced today that the MassDOT’s annual Farmer’s Market Program will begin in May 2010, continuing through Fall 2010.  Local Farmers are invited to take advantage of free vending space at the state’s eighteen highway service plazas to sell their home-grown produce and made-in-Massachusetts products.

The Farmers market program has been a popular customer service for the last ten years on the 11 Massachusetts Turnpike service plazas and this year MassDOT expanded the Farmers Market program to include all eighteen (18) service plazas on state highways. 

Complimentary vending space is made available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Massachusetts Turnpike service plazas located in:

Lee (east /west)

Blandford (east /west)

Ludlow (east /west)

Charlton (east /west)

Westborough

Framingham and

Natick.

New service plaza locations this year include:

Interstate 95 in Newton and Lexington

Route 128 in Beverly

Route 24 in Bridgewater (north /south)

Route 3 in Plymouth and

Route 6 in Barnstable.

 

Farmers can sell their goods as long as they do not compete with the businesses that operate within the service plazas.

MassDOT also assists in setting up the Farmers Markets and provides on-the-road messages featuring the Farmers Markets.

To date, there are currently farmers already signed up for Charlton East & West, Lee East, Blandford West and Westborough.  Local farmers or customers who want more information are asked to contact program coordinator Dave Fenton at dave.fenton@state.ma.us or 413‑572‑3171.

 
 

Comments

[Anthony Rumpf]

Hi
Great idea.

Would it be possible to re-open the northbound rest area immediately before the Weymouth Exit to Rte 18?

Thanks
Tony
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Thanks for the question. The area was reopened five years ago but the space reduced and a guardrail installed to block a portion that became an attractive dumping ground. It currently functions as an emergency pullover or place where anyone can park and take a break; note that Route 18 section has breakdown lane use in the AM.

If you go on Google maps and use street view, you'll get the idea. It is located a short distance south of Route 18.