Pilot FLYING coming to Brawley
BRAWLEY — The intersection of highways 78 and 111 is a heavily trafficked area by big rig trucks traveling to and from the border, on to Los Angeles and other major cities.
City officials here are hoping it’s the perfect spot for a Pilot Flying J Travel Center to help generate tax revenue for the city and jump start new development.
“This is a ‘first in’ development project at our eastern gateway that will capture US Highway 111 opportunities for north, south and eastbound travelers,” said Brawley City Manager Rosanna B. Moore. The center will provide a gas station for big rig trucks and normal vehicles, along with a restaurant with dining room seating, coffee bar and more. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Interstate 10 averages about 290,000 annual daily travelers.
With highways 78 and 111 both reconnecting at Interstate 10, the opportunity to catch weary long-distance travelers along the route is something officials will help spark development in the area.
If you build it, they will come
Officials hope The Pilot Flying J Center will be start of other development in that area.
“The Rancho Porter Specific Plan Area consists of 208 acres zoned for commercial and residential uses on the south side of Main Street, between Best Avenue and Highway 111,” Moore said.
“Given the physical location, the anchor presence will result in the extension of services that well-position the entire plan area for future growth opportunities.”
It’s a plan that has been in the works for about 10 years, as officials looked to capitalize on the traveling public.
She added the project is set to start at the end of spring and take about five months to complete. “The city of Brawley is excited to welcome Pilot Travel Center as a place of commerce and employment,” said Brawley Mayor George A. Nava.