Conn plans to upgrade travel plazas

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -    Connecticut officials have reached a 35-year agreement to transform the state's 23 service plazas along the major highways, adding more types of restaurants and upgrading facilities.

The plazas are located along I-95, the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways and I-395.

For two decades, McDonald's has been the major food provider along I-95. ExxonMobil has been the fuel vendor since 1982. Under the new deal, all 23 service plazas will include a Subway sandwich shop, a Dunkin' Donuts and a convenience store.

McDonald's will be one of the food providers at eight locations.
Alliance Energy, a New England petroleum-marketing distributor, will provide fuel and operate the convenience stores.

Stamford State Sen. Andrew McDonald has called for a financial analysis of the contract.