By ERICA HALL

The Mirror

Federal Way will be bidding farewell to the Flying J truck stop, located at South 348th Street and Pacific Highway South, when Opus Northwest begins development of the 224,000-square-foot Federal Way Crossings retail center in its place.

Opus has submitted a land-use application to the city, seeking permission to demolish existing structures on-site to make room for new businesses.

The 21-acre development will have 14 buildings, including retail shops, banks and restaurants, and associated parking lots, street improvements and landscaping.

Community development planners are conducting the environmental review of the proposed development. Lori Michaelson, the city’ s lead on the project, said the traffic potentially generated by the development will be the biggest concern.

Traffic already is heavy around the site, which is near the Interstate 5, State Route 18 and Pacific Highway South junction.

The site doesn’t contain any sensitive environmental areas, she said.

There will be a public comment period after the city issues an environmental decision, followed by a land-use decision.

The loss of the Flying J could mean a dwindling in the number of truckers exiting I-5 at South 348th Street looking for a place to park for the night.

“There will be an impact, that’s for sure, especially for overnight truckers,” said Jim Tulton, vice president of the Federal Way-based-Washington Trucking Association.

In addition to refueling, trucks routinely park overnight at the stop.

Another Flying J is located in Tacoma, about 11 miles away.

Flying J’s district manager, Todd Veibell, was unavailable for comment Monday.

The old Dunn Lumber site nearby also will undergo new development soon. Plans include a 152,169-square-foot health club, a grocery store, a bank, retail shops, office space and 37 condominium units, with underground and surface parking, according to city officials.

Staff writer Erica Hall: 925-5565, ehall@fedwaymirror.com

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.