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Committee hears that nearby data-center construction could increase heavy truck traffic for up to two years
Summary
County staff warned that truck traffic tied to nearby data-center construction and an anticipated state detour on Highway Y could increase heavy-truck movements on County Highway Y and nearby routes, prompting increased monitoring and possible pavement-scheduling adjustments.
Scott briefed the Washington County Public Works Committee on heavy-truck traffic linked to nearby data-center construction and associated concrete and gravel hauling.
He said the county has seen heavy equipment and concrete/gravel trucks on County Highway H, Y and other local routes as data-center construction projects in neighboring counties have progressed. "We are not immune to that," Scott said, noting activity that started in Kewaskum and Farmington has shifted into the towns of Jackson and Trenton and may use Highway Y as it connects to other detours. He warned the truck traffic could last "approximately two years," though not 24/7, with the busiest periods during daylight and construction hours.
Scott said the county has coordinated with the sheriff's department to monitor speeds and that staff planned to deploy a radar trailer as a reminder of the posted speed limit. He also noted a state detour planned for Highway Y from about March 23 through the end of July and said the county will monitor roadway condition and could accelerate paving work if deterioration warrants it; currently the road is scheduled for pavement in 2034.
Supervisors asked whether state agencies can be asked to reimburse repairs if a state detour damages county roads. Scott said the state will typically document roadway condition before and after detours and the county does communicate with the state, but there may be limited options for reimbursement depending on road classification and route choices. "We've had this happen several times in our county and haven't had too many problems with the heavy truck traffic," he said, but added crews will increase monitoring frequency and adjust maintenance schedules if necessary.
The committee discussed potential coordination with neighboring counties and highway associations and asked staff to continue monitoring routes, coordinate with law enforcement and report back if the road condition accelerates deterioration.
