CLAUDE, Texas (KFDA) – Increased traffic from data center construction along Highway 207 is leading to more wrecks in Claude as the community prepares for students to return to school.
Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson says thousands of workers travel to and from the construction site Monday through Friday.
The heaviest traffic is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and again between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sheriff Anderson says vehicle wrecks have surged from two to three a month, to two to three a day. She says most have been minor fender benders, but she is urging drivers to stay alert and plan ahead.
The added traffic is expected to become an even greater safety concern when school starts August 20.
Sheriff Anderson recommends drivers leave earlier, consider alternate routes when possible and remain aware of students, school traffic and other vehicles on the road.
The Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office is also asking for volunteers to help with school crossings during school hours.
As traffic increases, the county is adding to its law enforcement presence.
Sheriff Anderson says data center officials helped fund an additional deputy for Armstrong County.
“The data center did recently sign a contract to provide another deputy from my department for the next two years,” said Anderson. “Then we’re in talks about maybe adding one more in the budget season. So if that’s the case, I’ll be up to six. We’ll add the fifth one in mid-September that they’ve provided and then hopefully one more in January.”
Officials with the data center have told the county construction could continue for up to two years.
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