OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Although Buc-ee’s in Oak Grove is not expected to open until 2029, five years after the project was announced, the City of Oak Grove has reassured that work is in progress, and dirt will move around the future location to make room for the massive travel center.
“I know it’s been a big question. They announced two years ago that they were coming, and everybody was excited and then nothing happened, and then nothing happened, and then nothing happened,” said Oak Grove Public Works Director Brian Ahart. “It’s starting to happen.”
Ahart shared with the Oak Grove City Council at the Aug. 18 meeting that the Buc-ee’s developers are beginning the process to start the reconstruction of Highway 115 (Pembroke Oak Grove Road) around the future site at Exit 89. Along with that work, they will begin the relocation of a portion of Carneal Lane to accommodate the development soon.
An exact timeline has not been shared for construction.
Scope of the project, why the delay has been beneficial
The entire area around the interstate is being restructured to make room for Buc-ee’s with work already underway to expand the overpass by building a second bridge with two additional lanes, as well as the creation of multiple roundabouts and restructuring of the interstate ramps along with the creation of drainage basins for flood mitigation.
Ongoing work on the interstate in Oak Grove to remove the old concrete road and replace it with asphalt is happening simultaneously but is separate from Buc-ee’s work.
“I guess it’s a blessing that it was delayed because we had the construction on I-24 which has been a little overwhelming at times…I couldn’t imagine trying to redo four on ramps, three roundabouts, rerouting Carneal Lane and building a 74,000 square foot travel center all at the same time,” Ahart added.
He also told the city council that construction on the new water tower is slow moving, but it is in motion. An overhaul of the city’s water line infrastructure and the creation of the water tower will improve water pressure and allow for the increased demand due to developments.
Despite the ongoing infrastructure work, Buc-ee’s has not announced a date for a groundbreaking at this time. An estimated opening date is listed as 2029 on their website.
| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Christian County Now app