When news broke last year about a new Buc-ee's location, the first announced for Louisiana, was to open, hopes were that the new travel center will open in Ruston sometime during the first quarter of 2025. 

But Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker tells KEEL NEWS that the Buc-ees project has been delayed a bit. 

Walker says the reason for the delay is that bids on the road construction were expected to come in last week, but the snow storm in Louisiana has delayed the bidding process until this week. 

News Radio 710 KEEL logo
Get our free mobile app

 He says once the low bidder is identified and a contract is signed, work on the roads leading to Buc-ees should begin in about 60 days. He also says the road work should hopefully be complete in 12-18 months, with the construction on the new store to begin in that same time frame. 

The Bad News for Buc-ee's

The downside to this weather delay is that this will push the opening date from mid- 2025 back to middle to late 2026. 

Ruston Water Tower via City of Ruston YouTube
Ruston Water Tower via City of Ruston YouTube
loading...

The proposed Ruston Buc-ee's will be located along I-20. The store is expected to boost the local economy by creating a minimum of 250 jobs that pay at least $18 dollars an hour. This complex will also significantly increase sales tax revenues for the region. 

Just like the Terrell, Texas Buc-ee's location, the Ruston Buc-ee's is expected be a game changer for the Northeast Louisiana community. The travel plaza will attract visitors from across the region, making Ruston a travel destination.

11 Must-Try Items At Buc-ees

Largest Employers in Northwest Louisiana

Job growth is expected in Shreveport Bossier. Here are the biggest employers in the area.

More From News Radio 710 KEEL