RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – In a significant development, the state has granted its approval for the City of Ruston's meticulous plans aimed at enhancing road infrastructure to facilitate the construction of Buc-ee's. Mayor Ronny Walker of the City of Ruston shed light on this matter, stating, "All the road improvements, specifically referring to the exit on and off the interstate at Tarbutton Road, need to be modified to some extent. Thankfully, they have approved all our plans from our engineering company."

Approval Leads to Construction Phase I

With the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development giving the green light to the road changes, the city can now move forward with the first phase of the Buc-ee's construction. Phase I encompasses the construction of the Buc-ee's building itself, along with the interior roads and work on Tarbutton Road. Mayor Walker further explained, "Phase II involves the Frontage Road between the City of Ruston and the City of Grambling. Subsequently, Phase III focuses on the Service Road through the Frontage Road, leading to the interstate if you will."

Road Changes and Bidding Process

Mayor Walker emphasized that the state will continuously need to approve road changes in each successive phase. In December 2024, the city will put out bids for contractors to review. Once the bids are submitted, they will be evaluated, and the most responsible contractor with the lowest bid will be selected. Walker stated, "Then they go back, they figure out what it's going to cost, and they put in a bid. Those bids will be due in the middle of January." After the selection, construction is expected to commence within approximately 60 days.

Benefits and Impact

The approval of these road improvements holds great significance for the local community. It not only paves the way for the construction of a renowned retail destination like Buc-ee's but also enhances the overall transportation network in the area. With improved access to the interstate and better connectivity between the two cities, it is expected to boost economic activities and bring in more visitors. This development has the potential to create jobs during the construction phase and provide a boost to the local economy in the long run.

Timeline and Progress

The city is now on a clear path towards the realization of this major project. The approval of the road changes marks the beginning of a series of steps that will lead to the completion of Buc-ee's and the associated infrastructure. As the bidding process unfolds and the construction gets underway, the community eagerly awaits the transformation that will take place. It is a significant milestone that will have a lasting impact on Ruston and the surrounding areas.