Buc-ee's in Mebane: City leaders approve interchange changes in area where gas station will be constructed
The first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina is expected to bring more people - and more traffic - from all over the state.
Mebane City Council met Monday night to discuss plans for navigating the issue.
According to Mebane Mayor, Ed Hooks, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is looking for the council to approve a possible traffic solution.
Hooks told WRAL News the roadwork needs to be completed before developers break ground on the gas station.
"We're excited about this project, just as any project," Hooks said.
The City Council approved the NCDOT to make changes to the interchange where the Buc-ee's is expected to be.
The gas station is considered a traveler's paradise to some, but others see it as a traffic nightmare.
"That was one of the biggest reasons for citizens against it," Hooks said.
WRAL's 5 on Your Side traveled to the nearest Buc-ee's, which is in Florence, South Carolina. County leaders told us the mega-sized store has brought in "generous tax revenue" to the area, but traffic has been an issue.
A spokesperson with NCDOT told WRAL News Buc-ee's is required to construct traffic improvements based on traffic impact analysis.
"With [the] transporation impact analysis they did, we are sure they'll be able to handle the traffic," Hooks said. "I'm sure they will be some spikes, especially in the first few weeks."
Mayor Hooks said he's expecting anywhere between 30 days and 60 days to learn the timeline for the Buc-ee's groundbreaking.
