Rock trucks traveling through downtown Temple heading to data center construction site
Rock and gravel trucks are causing traffic concerns in downtown Temple as they travel to a data center construction site in Burlington, Milam County, Texas. The Free Bird Data Center, home to OpenAI, is under construction by DPR Construction and SB Energy. SB Energy is actively working to reroute the trucks to mitigate traffic issues.
Large rock and gravel trucks have been frequently traveling through downtown Temple, Texas, for several weeks, prompting investigations by 6 News reporter Sydney Walker. These trucks, originating from various quarries between Salado and Florence, are primarily headed to a major data center construction site in Burlington, Milam County, Texas.
The project, known as Free Bird Data Center phase one, is slated to be home to OpenAI, the company behind Chat GPT. According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction on the 548,950-square-foot, single-story facility began in October 2025 and is projected to conclude in October 2026. The substantial development, estimated at approximately $470 million, will feature four data halls, supporting infrastructure, offices, and a loading dock.
DPR Construction and SB Energy are responsible for bringing the data center to life. An SB Energy spokesperson acknowledged residents' concerns regarding the downtown Temple traffic caused by the trucks. The company stated it is actively collaborating with its trade partners to reroute the vehicles away from key downtown areas and is working with local leadership to align on concerns, communication, and next steps.