Supercharger - Lexington, MA (RT-128 NB service plaza)

[Tdreamer]

Tesla will be building a supercharger at the RT-128 Northbound service plaza in Lexington, MA as indicated in the pin added to the Tesla supercharger coming soon map earlier this year. Site planning is underway, with the possibility of construction this spring. Not yet sure where within the service plaza this will be located.

 

[EdA]

Permit info?

 

[Tdreamer]

I've been unable to find anything yet, but I'll keep looking. My assumption is that someone would need to pull a permit with the town at least, even though discussions/approval is probably with Mass-DOT. Same for the Newton location....

I met and had a great conversation with the guys that make all this stuff happen. I didn't press for any info that wasn't available to share. They don't get nearly enough credit for their negotiation skills and persistence in getting these sites done.

 

[EdA]

Thanks for digging, these are all great locations.
I wish the area surrounding Philadelphia had the density we will have here in MA.

 

[mociaf9]

My assumption is that someone would need to pull a permit with the town at least, even though discussions/approval is probably with Mass-DOT. Same for the Newton location....

If the sites are within the service plazas themselves, then maybe not. Those areas are generally considered as entirely within the Right-of-Way for the road and therefore often the local jurisdiction isn't involved at all. How the roads authority handles plan checks for code compliance and permitting will vary from one to another. They might be handled by a state level office, outsourced to the appropriate county office that issues permits for construction in unincorporated areas, etc.

 

[Tdreamer]

There are various building permits associated with the McDonalds in this service plaza in the Lexington permit database, which is why I was assuming Tesla might need to pull a permit with the town. But you could be right if it's not within a structure.

 

[eladts]

Glad to see MA locations with 24/7 amenities at last.

 

[JWardell]

Yes! So glad to finally get them in rest areas!!

 

[ScoGold]

Any progress on Lexington SC?

 

[Tdreamer]

Nope - drove through Saturday and nothing.

 

[ScoGold]

Nope - drove through Saturday and nothing.

Are you Superman? You’re everywhere.

 

[Tdreamer]

Are you Superman? You’re everywhere.

Nope - went for a drive to CT Saturday and made the rounds checking for any sign of life at these locations... Was hoping for at least one site progressing to construction given Littleton just wrapped up but no. Perhaps the crew went up to Williston, VT which just started construction. Who knows....

 

[Cryptoengineer]

I notice that at the south end of the plaza there is an isolated loop of roadway around a small demolished facility of some kind. Its not currently being used. This is the only place I can see that seems a likely candidate site for an SC.

 

[eladts]

I notice that at the south end of the plaza there is an isolated loop of roadway around a small demolished facility of some kind. Its not currently being used. This is the only place I can see that seems a likely candidate site for an SC.

You mean this? It can only be reached from the truck lane.

 

[Cryptoengineer]

You mean this? It can only be reached from the truck lane.

Yes. The parking at that plaza is pretty limited. Hopefully we'll find out soon.

 

[North75]

I'm assuming they will go in one of the two rows next to the grass medians. I'm also assuming they will get ICE'd regularly. (or they won't actually get built here) We'll see.
Newton is basically the same layout, but without any extra space like Lexington.

 

[jakieemma]

You mean this? It can only be reached from the truck lane.

I was in there yesterday, still nothing happening. I agree this would be the most logical spot.

 

[Farmer]

I just drove by the Lexington rest area and glanced in. There is a skid steer loader and a mini excavator in that area now. More importantly, there were a bunch of those pre-formed concrete bases Tesla uses now for Supercharger stands sitting in piles off to the side of that mini lot. I was by it before I could take a picture. I'm headed back down 128 tonight. Maybe I'll cross over for photos.

 

[Tdreamer]

I just drove by the Lexington rest area and glanced in. There is a skid steer loader and a mini excavator in that area now. More importantly, there were a bunch of those pre-formed concrete bases Tesla uses now for Supercharger stands sitting in piles off to the side of that mini lot. I was by it before I could take a picture. I'm headed back down 128 tonight. Maybe I'll cross over for photos.

Perhaps the explanation why Woburn is on hold - they've moved on to Lexington for a bit! Great find!

 

[dhkaufman]

Great heads up @Farmer, I stopped by (on my way back from Lynnfield). The parking bay (13 spaces) closest to Rt 128 has been fenced off, signs for Heidrea construction. There's a cut in the pavement leading up to the median, which has been partially stripped of sod. The isolated loop @Cryptoengineer identified is being used as a staging area, there are 8 pedestal bases (?) some conduit and a couple of Kubotas (with Heidrea markings) over there, but no actual diggings.