Vehicles tied to AI data center construction causing severe road damage in Dickey County

ELLENDALE, N.D. (KVRR) – Authorities in Dickey County say trucks and equipment connected to the construction of an Applied Digital AI data center are causing severe damage to some county roads.

Several county roads and highways are closed until further notice for repairs.

“There’s been some road issues and stability issues on the road, safety issues on the road. To this point, it’s actually been pretty decent getting those spots fixed and kept up, and patched together. But with springtime, all of the roads across the state are suffering a little bit,” said Kacey Holm, Dickey County Commission.

Dickey County has closed 87th Ave. between 96th St. North to 95th St. 95th St is closed from 87th east to US Highway 281 until further notice. Ellendale township has closed 96th St. from 85 Ave. east to Highway 281.

“They (Applied Digital) made a good deal with the state to get their load limits to get their stuff in and keep working. And then we allowed them to use that road. And they worked hard trying to work with us, and I mean, and you can’t fault them, it’s just the nature of the beast,” said Charlie Russell, Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator for Dickey County.

While the roads have taken a hit due to seasonal change and use, Holm says there will be work done to fix the roads.

“In about a month, contractors are going to start doing the prep work to that. That was with the flex fund grant, some stuff with the city, and then with the commission, and Applied Digital. Kind of all partnering together to get this road paved so we have a reliable way in and out,” said Holm.

The Dickey County Commission plans to discuss the issue during a meeting on Tuesday.

An email seeking comment from Applied Digital was not immediately returned.