Claude prepares for school as data center construction increases traffic, wrecks, law enforcement
Increased traffic from ongoing data center construction along Highway 207 in Claude, Texas, is causing a surge in vehicle wrecks and creating safety concerns as students prepare to return to school. Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson is urging drivers to be cautious, and the county is increasing its law enforcement presence, partially funded by the data center project.
In Claude, Texas, ongoing data center construction along Highway 207 has led to a significant increase in traffic and vehicle accidents, prompting safety warnings from local authorities. Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson reported that daily wrecks have surged from two to three a month to two to three a day, primarily minor fender-benders, due to thousands of construction workers commuting to the site.
The heaviest traffic occurs between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. These traffic patterns are expected to pose an even greater safety risk with students returning to school on August 20. Sheriff Anderson advises drivers to allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes, and remain vigilant for students and school-related traffic.
To address the growing public safety concerns, the Armstrong County Sheriff's Office is seeking volunteers for school crossings and is expanding its law enforcement presence. Sheriff Anderson confirmed that officials from the data center have committed to funding an additional deputy for her department for the next two years, with discussions ongoing for potentially adding a second deputy in the upcoming budget cycle. Data center officials have indicated that construction could continue for up to two years.