Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s has cleared the vote that once stood between the project and a path forward. When we last checked on Indiana’s proposed Buc-ee’s, a final city decision was still pending—and school traffic was a major sticking point.
That changed on September 21, 2026, when the Greenwood Common Council voted 7-2 to approve rezoning for the development near Interstate 65 and Worthsville Road, south of Indianapolis. The decision moves the project past a significant local hurdle, although it is not a construction permit or a confirmed opening date.
What Indiana officials actually approved
The council approved a planned unit development designation for approximately 80 acres. Buc-ee’s would occupy roughly 37 acres of that larger property, with other portions available for future development.
The travel center is planned at about 74,000 square feet, with 120 fueling positions and facilities for electric-vehicle charging. It would be the first Buc-ee’s in Indiana, bringing the chain’s familiar mix of barbecue, Beaver Nuggets, road-trip merchandise and expansive restrooms to the Indianapolis area.
As Inside INdiana Business reported, the September vote followed an earlier recommendation from Greenwood’s Advisory Plan Commission. The council’s approval means the developer no longer faces the same unresolved rezoning decision described in earlier coverage.
Traffic concerns did not disappear
Not everyone welcomed the decision. Residents and representatives of Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation raised questions about congestion near schools, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup.
Those concerns had already pushed the proposal off an expected September 9 council vote while Buc-ee’s completed additional traffic analysis. The project returned to the council on September 21 and passed despite two opposing votes.
Buc-ee’s representatives have described plans to spend roughly $13 million to $14 million on roadway improvements. Those would include a new roundabout at Worthsville and Collins roads, along with traffic signals, turn lanes and other changes intended to handle vehicles entering and leaving the site.
Supporters point to the jobs and visitor spending the travel center could bring. Project documents have estimated approximately 175 to 225 jobs, though staffing will not be finalized until the store gets closer to opening.
When could Indiana’s Buc-ee’s open?
That remains the biggest unanswered question. Local reporting suggests construction could take about two years, putting a possible opening in 2028 or later. Buc-ee’s has not announced a firm groundbreaking date or grand-opening day for Greenwood.
Rezoning approval is an important step, but the company still has to complete the remaining development and permitting work before shoppers can walk through the doors. Any road improvements tied to the project also have to be coordinated.
For Indiana Buc-ee’s fans, the story has shifted from whether Greenwood would approve the proposed land use to how quickly the project can advance toward actual construction. The beaver sign is a lot closer to reality—but there is still a wait ahead.
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment