Developers say a long-discussed travel plaza in far west Emporia is about to see above-ground construction.
No date has been announced, but Brownstone 3 Vice President for Operations Darrin Dodge says the first half of September will see construction on a travel plaza just south of US Highway 50 between Graphic Arts Road and Overlander Road. Pilot will serve as the flag for the travel plaza, which will be built just east of Emporia’s longstanding Flying J travel plaza after the existing travel plaza finished a substantial remodel earlier this year. Dodge has said Pilot and Pilot Flying J are sister companies.
The plan was first discussed in January 2020. A projection this spring was expecting construction already underway, but Dodge says there were some conversations about a larger development that unfolded after that update. Details have not been divulged.
When it was first mentioned, the development — which has included a hotel, food court, sit-down restaurant and upscale RV park — was considered a $30 million to $40 million investment with around 100 jobs. The current figure involves a $50 million investment.
