Data center progress full steam ahead
Construction activity continues to ramp up at the site of the planned Vantage Data Centers “Frontier” campus in Shackelford County, drawing increased attention from local residents as work progresses on one of the largest developments ever announced in the area.
Interest in the project was renewed last week after local photographer Steve Templeton captured an aerial image of the site while flying in a Steen Sybolt biplane. The photograph, taken using Meta smart glasses, offers a clear view of the size and footprint of the development. The Albany News thanks Templeton for allowing the photo to be published.
Vantage Data Centers confirmed this week that the project is currently in the mobilization phase, with crews beginning underground work that includes civil infrastructure, underground utilities, earthwork, and concrete.
According to a Vantage spokesperson, the project remains on schedule. The next major milestone residents are expected to notice will be the start of vertical building construction, which is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
One of the most noticeable changes for county residents has been a steady increase in gravel trucks and construction traffic. Many locals have expressed concerns about heavier traffic volumes, safety issues on rural roads, and the challenges of sharing roadways not originally designed for sustained industrial use.
Vantage officials acknowledged the increased traffic and said construction activity will continue to build, with truck traffic expected to peak through early 2027.
“Roadway safety is paramount for the construction team and the traveling public,” a Vantage spokesperson said. Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive and follow all posted signage and traffic laws when traveling near the project area.
Truck drivers working on the project are following Texas Department of Transportation regulations for approved road use. Vantage also confirmed that its construction team is coordinating with TxDOT and working with local law enforcement, who are present during shift changes to help manage traffic flow and reduce safety risks.
As the project moves beyond the heavy gravel hauling phase, residents can expect continued deliveries of construction materials throughout the duration of the build, though traffic patterns may shift as construction phases change.
The Frontier campus was announced earlier this year as a long-term, multi-phase development designed to support growing artificial intelligence demand. When completed, it is expected to span more than a thousand acres and deliver several gigawatts of critical IT capacity.
County officials have previously noted that while construction will take time and present short-term challenges, the project has the potential to bring long-term infrastructure investment and future tax benefits to Shackelford County. For now, work at the site remains focused on early groundwork as the massive project begins to take shape.
