Why There’s No Diesel At The Blandford Stop On The Mass. Pike

Driving past the Blandford rest stop on the Massachusetts Turnpike last night I saw the sign that says no diesel. This was on electronic sign board some miles ahead of the stop and many drivers have noticed it lately. Here is exactly why the diesel pumps are shut down right now.

On April 10, a tractor-trailer caught fire while parked at the westbound Blandford Service Plaza. The blaze started in the truck's engine area by accident. Flames quickly spread to the diesel fuel pumps and the overhead canopy. Firefighters from several towns rushed in and fought a three-alarm fire to keep it from getting worse. -westernmassnews.com

The good news is that no one got hurt. The truck driver was safe, and the trailer was empty, so there was no big explosion. The regular gas pumps for cars and the building with food and restrooms were not badly damaged. Those areas opened again soon after the fire was put out.

But the diesel side took heavy damage. The pumps, pipes, and covering need real repairs before they can be used safely again. That is why you see the "no diesel" sign today. MassDOT told truckers and anyone who needs diesel to fill up before or after Blandford or to use exits like Westfield instead.

Service plazas on the Pike get a lot of big rigs every day, so this spot is important for diesel users. Crews are working on fixes, but there is no exact date yet for when diesel will return.

In the meantime, plan ahead if your vehicle runs on diesel. Check the MassDOT app or website for updates. Regular unleaded gas is still available at Blandford, and the rest of the stop is open for snacks, coffee, and bathrooms.