Rutter’s Farm Stores is still waiting on its highway occupancy permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation but plans to start construction for its West Brunswick store in the late spring of this year.

The store, which was previously reported to be 8,800 square feet, is to be built on the south side of Route 61 across from the Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. The store is headquartered in York County. When built, it will be the first Rutter’s in the county.

“We’re stuck until we can get the HOP approved,” John Bogish, West Brunswick Township secretary-treasurer, said Friday.

He said the Schuylkill County Planning Commission has reviewed and approved plans for the store. An employee of the office did not return a call Friday.

Sean Brown, safety press officer with PennDOT District 5, which covers Schuylkill County, said the HOP has not been granted and is required to install a driveway through a PennDOT right of way and any improvements. Additional comments need to be addressed by Rutter’s, he said.

Bogish said there is “one more hurdle” to go before final approval.

“We are ready to go and we want them here. It is going to be such an asset to Schuylkill County,” he said.

Residents and motorists can’t fuel up along Route 61 unless they stop at Sheetz in Schuylkill Haven or Wawa in Hamburg.

“It’s just needed. It’s a huge convenience,” he said of the Rutter’s store.

Sue-Lee Miller, marketing coordinator for The Rutter’s Companies, said projects typically take six to eight months for completion. A contractor has not yet been chosen. Fourteen gas pumps featuring different grades of gas, including E-15, and ethanol-free gas, which will be Top Tier rated, are planned. Four high-speed diesel fueling lanes will be available. Motorists can buy food and other items at the store. Beer and wine are also available. Video terminals are planned.