Buc-ee’s is coming to Mississippi — and in a big way.

Work started this week on an infrastructure project which will result in the widening of Interstate 10 in Harrison County on the Mississippi coast, with part of that $60 million project providing needed infrastructure for Mississippi’s first Buc-ee’s franchise, scheduled to open in December 2024.

When it opens, it will be among the largest Buc-ee’s anywhere, with an estimated 70,000 square feet under its roof. At that size, it will dwarf the four Alabama franchises in Loxley, Athens, Leeds and Auburn, each of which is between 50,000-55,000 square feet.

Plans to build the first Buc-ee’s in Mississippi were initially announced by local officials in 2021, with the company confirming the build in 2022.

For those unaware, Buc-ee’s is a chain of travel centers spread across Texas and the southeastern U.S. Known for their immaculate bathrooms, huge gas station facilities, snack offerings and unique souvenir items, Buc-ee’s opened its first store in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1982, with the name and now-famous mascot inspired by owner Arch Aplin III’s nickname, “Beaver,” and his dog, “Buck.”

That first store was a modest 3,000 square feet. In the years since, both the stores and the number of locations have grown. Buc-ee’s has expanded to more than 40 massive stores located in seven states, with new locations in the works in Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as Mississippi.

The I-10 project in Mississippi will result in the widening of the interstate to six lanes from Diamondhead to Long Beach, with the funding provided by the federal infrastructure bill.

Work began Wednesday, with the Mississippi Department of Transportation warning motorists to expect lengthy delays in that area, with MDOT estimating delays of up to 2 1/2 hours near exits 20 and 24 in Harrison County.

Construction on the Buc-ee’s location has not begun, with the interstate project expected to last for about a year. The announced opening date of December 2024 is subject to change, according to the company, but once open the Mississippi location is expected to create about 200 jobs, with starting pay at $15 per hour, and draw an estimated 5 million visitors annually.

“The Menge Avenue interchange with Buc-ee’s Travel Center makes Harrison County a destination for travelers and businesses alike,” said Harrison County supervisor Marlin Ladner. “We expect this project to fuel economic growth in the region, and this construction is an exciting step forward in this highly anticipated development.”