Louisiana’s two Buc-ee’s projects are still moving on very different timelines, but the one expected to open first has reached another visible construction stage. The City of Ruston says crews are pouring concrete for the front portion of the building while additional groundwork continues around the site.
The city now describes the opening as projected for mid-2027, subject to construction progress. That is broader—and potentially later—than the April 2027 target included in earlier coverage, so road-trippers should treat the new window as an estimate rather than circle a grand-opening day.
What is happening at the Louisiana site
The future travel center is being built near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road in Ruston. In its current project update, the city says the store is expected to span more than 70,000 square feet and include more than 100 fuel pumps.
Those rounded figures are consistent with the large travel-center format Buc-ee’s has been building in new markets. More importantly, the city’s update confirms that work is happening on the building area rather than leaving the project at the announcement, zoning or groundbreaking stage.
Ruston has also been preparing the roads around the site for the added traffic. The location sits directly across from Ruston Junior High School, making access, signals and traffic flow a major part of the work surrounding the store.
City officials expect the completed travel center to draw thousands of visitors each day, bringing new tourism and spending to the area. That potential impact helps explain why the supporting transportation work matters just as much as the concrete and steel going into the store itself.
Why the opening language changed
Earlier updates pointed to April 2027, while the city now says mid-2027 and adds that the projection depends on construction progress. Buc-ee’s own estimated-opening list is more cautious, identifying Ruston only as a 2027 opening without naming a month.
That does not necessarily signal a major delay. It does mean April should no longer be treated as firm. Large projects can shift as building work, utilities, inspections, hiring and road improvements move on separate schedules.
Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s is still taking shape
Ruston remains positioned to become Louisiana’s first open Buc-ee’s. The company’s second Louisiana project, near Interstate 10 in Lafayette, is currently listed for 2028, giving the northern location a substantial head start.
For now, the most useful update is simple: Ruston is under construction, concrete work is progressing and the city is looking toward the middle of 2027. What Louisiana still does not have is a confirmed opening date, so any travel plans should wait for a formal announcement closer to completion.
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