While the news about Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s location coming to the Harrisonburg area in Rockingham County in late June left many Washingtonians excited about the opportunity to make their first-ever visit to the “Walmart of gas stations”, the two-hour distance from the District left many of us flustered about the time it would take to make the drive, questioning whether it would be worth the trek.
Well, we have good news for those who felt that way – according to a recent report, Buc-ee’s had officially submitted plans for a 74,000 square foot, 120-pump travel center that would only be one hour from the District!
Where would the new Buc-ee’s be?
While not yet a done deal, the new Buc-ee’s location would sit in Stafford County just off of I-95 Exit 140, roughly one hour by car from Washington, D.C.!
The proposed Buc-ee’s would sit on nearly 35 acres of land situated near the intersection of Courthouse Road (Route 630) and Austin Ridge Drive.
The proposal outlines the following features, amongst others:
- 74,000 square foot store.
- 120 gas pumps.
- 24 EV charging stations.
- New sidewalks, shared-use paths, a pedestrian bridge, and two signalized crosswalks.
What obstacles are stopping the Buc-ee’s from being built?
The proposal for this new Buc-ee’s location was made in partnership with local business Rocky Ridge LLC, which owns the four parcels of land on which they are hoping to build.
The issue is that the four properties must first be “rezoned” into one property that can then be reclassified as a “B-2 Urban Commercial zone”, allowing for commercial use.
However, this zoning reclassification puts the hope of this Buc-ee’s location into the hands of the county government – the Stafford Board of Supervisors.
The decision is not expected to be made soon, but rather later this year, with public hearings to consider local residents’ opinions on the matter expected in the coming months.
The two opposing viewpoints on the Buc-ee’s proposal can be summed up as follows:
- In support: Some residents are quoted in support of the project, suggesting that it could bring necessary jobs to the area and ultimately provide a welcome opportunity for economic growth for the surrounding area.
- In opposition: Some residents that opposed the Buc-ee’s project have voiced concern over traffic congestion and impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.