Noble Gas Station and EV Travel Center

The Noble Gas Station and EV Travel Center in Sturbridge, Massachusetts represents a highly innovative travel plaza concept and a significant milestone as the client’s first expansion into Massachusetts. Strategically located along Route20 near the I‑84/I‑90 interchange, the project required a comprehensive site and civil engineering approach to transform multiple parcels into a cohesive, high-capacity travel destination supporting both conventional and electric vehicles. The development includes a large fueling station with ten gasoline fueling islands, high-speed diesel lanes, and EV charging infrastructure, as well as a two-story EV Discovery Center with public gathering and educational space.

From a site and environmental engineering standpoint, the project presented several key challenges associated with redevelopment, including contaminated soils, high groundwater conditions, and strict Massachusetts stormwater management standards. These constraints limited the feasibility of conventional infiltration systems and required a carefully engineered stormwater solution. The design team implemented a robust treatment strategy incorporating deep sump catch basins, oil-grit separators, and water quality units to ensure no untreated discharges and compliance with pollutant removal standards. Hydrologic modeling confirmed that post-development runoff rates were reduced below pre-development conditions, while a long-term operation and maintenance plan ensures continued environmental performance. Geotechnical considerations and site grading were also coordinated to support large-scale structures, truck loading areas, and heavy vehicle circulation while maintaining stability and constructability across varying subsurface conditions.

Traffic engineering was a central component of the project given its regional location and projected generation of more than 3,000 daily vehicle trips. A detailed Transportation Impact Assessment evaluated existing and future traffic conditions, including volumes, speeds, and crash history, to guide access and circulation design. Working closely with MassDOT, the project evolved from a traditional signalized access configuration to a modern roundabout, significantly improving safety and reducing conflict points along the Route 20corridor. Internal circulation was equally complex, requiring separation of passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, and EV users while maintaining efficient flow and minimizing queuing. The design incorporated dedicated turning lanes, truck turning templates, and defined pedestrian routes to enhance safety and usability. Complementing these efforts, landscape architecture and site design elements were integrated to soften the intensity of the development, improve pedestrian experience, and create an attractive, destination-oriented environment consistent with the project’s vision of redefining the modern travel plaza.

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