Port grapples with ‘crazy’ data center traffic

Officials in Port Washington, Wisconsin, are actively working to mitigate "crazy" traffic congestion resulting from the ongoing construction of Vantage Data Centers' Lighthouse Campus on the city's north side. The project, which currently employs about 5,000 workers, has led to significant gridlock, particularly at the intersection of highways 32 and H at the I-43 interchange. City Engineer Roger Strohm confirmed the severity of the traffic, especially during shift changes.

To address the immediate issues, temporary traffic lights are being installed and are expected to be operational soon, aimed at controlling peak-time traffic and reducing the need for law enforcement to direct vehicles. Additionally, Ozaukee County is undertaking road widening projects near the data center, including creating dedicated turn lanes at several intersections and improving pedestrian signals. Vantage Data Centers is funding both the installation of traffic lights and the road improvements, as well as covering the costs for police traffic control.

While these measures are intended to alleviate congestion, officials acknowledge they won't fully resolve all traffic issues, which have included heavy construction vehicles taxing local roads, conflicts with area residents, and complaints about rocks striking cars and safety concerns regarding vehicle speed. The 672-acre Lighthouse Campus, which began construction in December 2025 and is slated for completion in 2028, will eventually house four data center buildings along with support facilities.