World’s Largest Truckstop Moves Forward With Massive Expansion and Remodel
WALCOTT, IA… Iowa 80 Truckstop has begun a $10 million expansion and remodel project that will add 23,000 square feet to its already 100,000 square foot main building. As soon as this year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree concluded construction fence went up and the project began.
The massive undertaking is being completed in three phases. Phase One includes infrastructure upgrades to drainage, transformers and a new fiber optic network, which are mostly complete. Phase Two extends the building to the west toward new gas islands that were installed last year. The food court will shift to this area and include 1-2 more food concepts; for a total of 10 restaurant choices. New food preparation areas and equipment will be installed throughout. The convenience store will be expanded to offer more options for healthy grab and go foods. A semi-tractor and antique trucks will be added to the main entry and merchandise areas will be expanded to better serve customers. “The new entry is going to be really beautiful and welcoming,” says Delia Moon Meier, Senior Vice President.
In Phase Three of the project drivers will be welcomed onto a boulevard that leads them to the diesel islands, truck service center, Truckomat truck wash and truck parking areas. “We will have an extra wide roadway with curbs, lighting and signage,” says Meier. “There will even be a beautiful new arch welcoming drivers into the truck entrance. We really want this to have a Main Street USA feel.”
Truck parking areas will also be reconfigured to pull-in, pull-out spaces to provide better organized traffic flow for drivers. The 900 truck parking spaces will be retained with the likelihood of expanding. Iowa 80 will remain open providing all services and amenities during the expansion and remodel. “We know drivers depend on us, so we will do whatever it takes to provide the products and services they need,” according to Meier.
All phases of construction and remodel are scheduled to be finished by the end of 2018. Progress photos will be posted periodically on the Iowa 80-World’s Largest Truckstop Facebook page. All are encouraged to follow the progress!