SHELBY — A new option for caffeine and gasoline could be available in Shelby by March.
Construction of a Mickey Mart gas station, with a built-in Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, is nearing completion along State Route 39.
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said Monday evening during Shelby City Council that a grand opening is anticipated in the coming months.
“Doors could be opening for business in the next four to eight weeks,” the mayor said.
The construction of the new station began about 10 months ago. Formerly the site of Skarl Motors, the property was purchased by DC Northwest LLC in August 2022.
“We’re looking forward to it (new gas station and Dunkin’ Donuts) and I know a lot of people in town that have been looking forward to it,” Joe Gies, Shelby project coordinator, said in April 2024.
Located along the city’s heavily-traveled southeast entrance, progress of the build has been highly visible.
On Monday, Gies said work at the site has been constant, including active construction during last Thanksgiving Day.
In addition to the future build, DC Northwest owns a Mickey Mart gas station at 116 W. Main St. in Shelby — purchased nearly 10 years ago.
The company plans to maintain both locations moving forward, Gies previously told Richland Source.
Until the work is complete, folks looking to make a Dunkin’ run will have to travel 17 miles south of the city to Bellville — the next closest location of the coffee and donut company.
Mansfield Avenue growth raises need for traffic studies
Travelers entering the city’s southeast end via SR 39 are met with several car dealerships, businesses and a pair of industrial campuses — including Lloyd Rebar and Stanley Black & Decker.
With the addition of the new gas station and coffee destination, that traffic is likely to increase.
Back in September, the Shelby Traffic Commission spoke with Michael Schweickart, of TMS Engineers, Inc., about options to help improve traffic safety in this area.
Commission members unanimously voted to proceed with two plans presented by Schweickart — provided funding is available.
Those plans include the preparation of an access management and access request policy for Shelby, based upon recommended practices from municipalities with similar characteristics.
Traffic safety plans also include professional traffic engineering services around the area of Mansfield Avenue and SR 39.
Scope of services include site inspection and data collection, traffic counts, existing and future conditions analysis, design year forecast and signal warrant and safety analysis.
TMS Engineers will recommend a plan based on the data collected and provide a written report. Estimated costs of any probable construction will be included.