We’ve got options during a road trip.

Which route to take. Where to stop for lunch. What music to play.

Decisions span as far as the open highway. But a decision no one wants to fumble: where to fill up the gas tank.

That’s why Road Ranger, a convenience store and truck stop chain, strives for “highway hospitality” throughout the Midwest and Southwest. More than 50 locations sit along well-traveled highways and interstates.

The rapidly growing chain recruited Olsson to design more than 10 locations across the country.

Client Manager Kerri Dickey, who managed the project, says “each location is unique, with its own requirements and constraints, often calling for various creative solutions.”

That’s the fun part for her. Kerri enjoys working with a client like Road Ranger to bring peace of mind to travelers and valuable amenities to communities. “It’s been rewarding to experience the excitement in the local communities when a new Road Ranger opens,” she said. “They really appreciate the additional offerings and amenities.”

Each Road Ranger location includes:

• Quality fuel
• Wendy’s, Subway, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, or Church’s Texas Chicken
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Showers and laundry, dog parks, and Wi-fi

We helped with recently completed locations in Missouri and Illinois. We also partnered with Road Ranger to design three locations in Texas that are currently under construction.

Our experts like Kerri stay up to date on local and state processes and requirements. And in turn, provide guidance and quality service to our clients.

“Olsson provides more than just engineering services to Road Ranger,” said Steve Vanden Noven, Road Ranger VP of real estate, planning, and development. “They are a full-service partner that we count on for our development. Kerri and her team are excellent communicators with servant attitudes.”

Group Leader Joseph Kwak makes sure structures have a safe and strong foundation. A geotechnical expert, he examines things like soil types to see if any changes need to be made before Road Ranger construction begins.

“It’s important to have the best soil type to support a structure – your building is only as good as the foundation you put it on,” Joseph said. “People don’t see the work below ground, but it really helps kick off a project and carry it to the finish line safely.”

Our work with Road Ranger has included:

• Site and civil engineering design
• Geotechnical investigations
• Traffic planning and operations
• Site structural design and roadway design
• Construction administration and materials testing
• Environmental services

The company recently held its 50th store opening celebration in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Kerri attended and experienced highway hospitality in action.

“You could feel the excitement in the area about the new facility,” she said. “Multiple Olsson disciplines and geographies have touched this project, so it’s really rewarding for us to see something come to life that’s been months or years in the making.”