As a Brunswick rest area closes for major upgrades, here's what to expect

Jamey Cross, Wilmington StarNews
·2 min read

A state-run facility in Shallotte is closing to undergo renovations.

The Brunswick County Visitors Center is a North Carolina Department of Transportation rest area that is situated near a busy highway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, serving thousands of patrons annually. A nearly $1 million renovation project will bring major upgrades to the facility and close the rest area for several months in the process.

Here’s what to know about the project and the impact it could have on local businesses.

Where is the rest area?

The Brunswick County Visitors Center is located along busy U.S. 17 in Shallotte. The rest area sits nearby the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 130.

The facility was opened in 1990, complete with parking for 33 cars, seven cars with trailers and eight trucks.

What are the improvements?

Renovations to the existing rest area include a new family restroom facility, water line, updated drainage and landscaping improvements, according to the NCDOT.

The NCDOT rest area in Shallotte will close to undergo nearly $1 million in improvements.
The NCDOT rest area in Shallotte will close to undergo nearly $1 million in improvements.

What will it cost?

According to the NCDOT, a contract for $981,000 was awarded to Kowen General Contractors for the project. The Maxton-based company can begin construction as soon as mid-October.

How many people visit the center annually?

According to NCDOT records, the Shallotte rest area served 158,737 visitors during the 2023 fiscal year.

What are other nearby options?

Other area businesses may see an increase in patrons as the rest area closes for construction.

Near the rest area – at the intersection of U.S. 17 and N.C. 130 – there are several fast-food restaurants, such as Wendy’s, Bojangles, KFC and Waffle House. For those looking to park for long periods of rest, the Lowe's Home Improvement on Whiteville Road could be an option, with a large parking lot and overnight parking typically permitted.

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Where are other state rest areas?

According to the NCDOT, there are 58 rest areas, visitors' centers and welcome centers across the state. Neither New Hanover nor Pender counties have a state visitors center. The closest state rest areas to the area, other than the Shallotte center, are in Duplin, Robeson, Sampson and Carteret counties.

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When will the project be complete?

Construction on the facility is expected to last several months. The facility is expected to close to the public next month and reopen in the spring of 2024.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick County rest area in Shallotte to close for renovations