Three I-90 Turnpike Service Plazas Offer E-85 Fuel

MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey today celebrated the opening of the first E-85 Flex Fueling stations on I-90, the Massachusetts Turnpike, in the communities of Charlton and Westborough.

Labor Day travelers will notice E-85 pumps at the Service Plazas in Charlton on I-90 Eastbound and I-90 Westbound and in Westborough, I-90 Westbound. These pumps are clearly marked and stand apart from unleaded and diesel pumps. E-85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and is intended for use in Flex Fuel vehicles.

“MassDOT is committed to meeting the needs of its customers. Our residents and visitors are choosing to purchase flex fuel vehicles. By working with our partners at Energy and Environmental Affairs and Gulf Oil, we are able to now offer travelers three fueling locations along the Massachusetts Turnpike and also advance our GreenDOT goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Secretary Davey.

Funding for the  $600,000 effort was provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The funding will also allow for a future fourth E-85 pump along the Turnpike.

The GreenDOT policy initiative first released in June 2010 incorporates sustainability into all MassDOT activities to reach greenhouse gas reduction targets mandated under the Global Warming Solutions Act signed by Governor Deval Patrick in 2008. The GreenDOT initiative also promotes the healthy transportation options of walking, bicycling, and public transit, and supports smart growth development.

The GreenDOT Implementation Plan is available on MassDOT’s GreenDOT website.

Comments

[MakeitinWestVirginia]

$600 grand for E85 pumps???

How about using that money to PAVE THE ROADS for Pete's sake!! Or maybe pay down the state's balloning debt?? Geesh!

[Anthony]

We need more of this E-85 up in the Middlesex Co. instead of putting most of them on the highway.

[Jane Winn, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)]

I was on vacation and stopped at a service plaza in Maine where a video was telling truckers how to use the new TSE - Truck Stop Electrification units. http://www.maineturnpike.com/Traveler-Services/Truck-Stop-Electrification.aspx These units allow truckers to shut off their engines, but still have air conditioning, warmth, plug in for computers, etc. Very interesting!