Beaver Dam Rest Area opening delayed

Story by Destinee Marking, Staff writer 

The opening of the Beaver Dam Rest Area has been delayed.

The Jan. 26 reopening of the popular rest area along the Western Kentucky Parkway has been postponed due to construction issues.

Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary, William M. Landrum III said the construction issues were unforeseen.

“A grand opening date has not been determined but is expected in late February or early March,” according to a press release from the Finance and Administration Cabinet.

The rest area, which had a gas station and an Arby’s restaurant closed a year ago after the lease expire.

As a halfway point between cities like Lexington and Louisville, Murray State students used to utilize the stop before it.

Sarah Burden, sophomore from Mount Washington, Kentucky, said she used to stop nearly every time she traveled home.

“It was always a nice place to stop to rest and get gas before making the final stretch back home,” Burden said. “I was pretty bummed out when it closed.”

Burden said, now, she does not stop anywhere when she travels home.

“The convenience of being able to stop without getting off the exit was just really nice,” Burden said.

When the stop reopens, Burden said she will once again utilize it like she used to.

Secretary Landrum said he is still confident in what Martin and Bayley, Inc, the company operating the rest area, brings to the table.

“Even with the best planning, there is always the possibility of something happening that could force delays,” Secretary Landrum said. “We want things done right for the safety and security of the construction team and customers.”

Martin and Bayley, Inc VP for real estate, Jim Whetstone, said their goal is to get Beaver Dam operational as soon as possible.

“We know travelers are anxious for the gas and convenient store to open, as are we,” Whetstone said. “We look forward to bringing our services and hospitality to new customers in the western Kentucky area.”  

Details on the opening will be released as soon as a new target date is determined.

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