The proposed travel center at the southwest corner of I-94 and Elm Road will feature an impressive 73,370-square-foot convenience store accompanied by 120 gas pumps offering various fuel options including ethanol-free fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, and electric vehicle charging stations.1 This massive development is targeted to open in early 2027, establishing itself as a major travel destination along the I-94 corridor.

Planned to accommodate between 4,000-8,000 vehicles daily according to Buc-ee's estimates, though city officials have internally projected potentially higher traffic volumes of 9,000-12,000 vehicles per day. The project's next steps include Wisconsin Department of Transportation approval for traffic impact and infrastructure upgrades, with Buc-ee's pledging to exceed WisDOT requirements for necessary street modifications. Additionally, Oak Creek's Plan Commission is scheduled to review site, landscaping, and architectural plans in June 2025.23

On May 20, 2025, the Oak Creek Common Council approved two critical resolutions advancing the Buc-ee's project: a Conditional Use Permit allowing the travel center's operation at the proposed site, and a Certified Survey Map approving the specific land configuration needed for development.12 These approvals weren't unanimous, with district alderman Ken Gehl voting against them, reflecting persistent local concerns.2

The project still faces several regulatory hurdles before construction can begin. Wisconsin Department of Transportation approval remains a crucial requirement, particularly regarding traffic impact assessments and necessary infrastructure upgrades.3 Buc-ee's has committed to exceeding WisDOT requirements for street modifications and expressed willingness to invest in public transportation infrastructure to address potential traffic issues.3 Additionally, the city's Plan Commission must review site, landscaping, and architectural plans, with this evaluation scheduled for June 2025.

A neighborhood group in Oak Creek, known as Oak Creek Neighbors United, has filed a lawsuit against the city challenging the approvals for the proposed Buc-ee's travel center. The lawsuit alleges that the rezoning and comprehensive plan amendments constitute "illegal spot zoning" and claims the city's actions violate state law and its own comprehensive plan.12 Residents from St. John's Estates subdivision, located directly north of the proposed site, have been particularly vocal in their opposition.

The legal challenge centers on several key concerns including increased traffic congestion in residential areas, potential noise and light pollution, possible negative impacts on property values, and environmental risks associated with such a large-scale fueling operation.2 Critics also allege that city officials minimized likely traffic and environmental impacts and presented the project as a "done deal" to discourage public opposition.13 Despite these objections, the project continues to move forward through the approval process with additional public hearings planned.

Supporters of the development highlight potential economic benefits including increased tax revenue, job creation, and new business opportunities that would establish Oak Creek as a key hub for travelers along the I-94 corridor.12 However, the project faces scrutiny regarding its traffic impact, with Buc-ee's requesting local assistance to cover costs for upgrading the interchange to handle the significant increase in vehicles.1

Critics argue that the environmental and social costs may outweigh economic benefits, expressing concerns that the development could siphon business from existing local stores and that its scale is excessive for the area's needs.32 The traffic impact remains a central issue, with Buc-ee's estimating 4,000-8,000 vehicles daily while city officials internally project potentially higher volumes of 9,000-12,000 vehicles per day.