Ruston Mayor Says North Louisiana Buc-ee’s Might Be First in State to Open
The highly anticipated Buc-ee’s project in Lafayette has hit another delay, leaving many north Louisiana residents wondering if the massive travel center planned for Ruston might also be pushed back.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says while the opening date has shifted a tiny bit, the massive complex is still on track.
Ruston’s Timeline Changed Just a BIt
“When we first announced Buc-ee’s, we always said it would open in the last quarter of 2026,” Walker explained. “Now, it may be pushed into the first month or two of 2027. In the grand scheme of things, I don’t feel like it’s a big deal. Of course, everyone wants Buc-ee’s here sooner than later.”
According to Walker, dirt work is expected to begin in September, with construction taking about 15 months. That timeline points to a grand opening around January 2027.
DOTD Hurdles, but Progress Continues
Part of the delay has come from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Walker admitted the scope of the project has caused challenges, but emphasized that work is steadily moving forward.
“We had an incredible meeting with Buc-ee’s just a week and a half ago,” Walker said. “Things are happening.”
Could Ruston Beat Lafayette?
With Lafayette’s project pushed back until 2028, some are speculating whether Ruston could open first.
“Everyone asks that question,” Walker said with a laugh. “We really think we might, but we’re not in a race. For us, it’s about what this means for Ruston, Lincoln Parish, and all of north Louisiana.”
A Win for North Louisiana - Including Shreveport
Buc-ee’s is expected to bring 250 to 300 jobs to Ruston, paying around $20 an hour. Walker says the economic ripple effect will extend far beyond Lincoln Parish.
“I promise you, people will be driving 40 or 50 miles to work at Buc-ee’s,” he said. That means residents from Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding towns could soon benefit from the new opportunities.
The Ruston Buc-ee’s will also feature a new, larger store design compared to what most travelers have seen in Texas.
Prime Location for Shreveport Travelers
For those driving in from Shreveport, the Buc-ee’s will be located right off I-20 at the Tarbutton Road exit - the first Ruston exit you come to heading east.
Buc-ee’s purchased 84 acres for the project, using about 40 acres for the travel center itself. The remaining land will be developed into additional retail stores and business ventures, creating even more growth along the I-20 corridor.
Ruston’s Mayor: “The Excitement is Real”
Walker says the project is another sign of Ruston’s momentum.
“It’s very exciting to see the direction our city is going,” he said. “And it’s fun being mayor when you get to announce things like this.”