OpenAI, Oracle Data Center Faces Fines for Construction Truck Violations

Township imposes penalties for gravel haulers, heavy equipment using backroads near Ann Arbor

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:33pm

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The construction of a 2.2-million-square-foot data center for OpenAI and Oracle in Saline Township, Michigan has led to an increase in truck traffic on local gravel backroads, prompting the township to vote unanimously to impose fines if construction trucks violate court-ordered rules about which roads they can use to access the site.

Why it matters

The data center project has faced some community backlash over the influx of construction traffic, with residents reporting issues like trucks speeding and failing to stop at red lights. The new fines are an effort by the township to enforce the traffic protocols outlined in a previous court settlement agreement and mitigate the disruption to the local community.

The details

Under the new agreement, the data center developer Related Digital would face escalating fines for any construction trucks caught using the prohibited gravel backroads instead of the designated route off W. Michigan Avenue. The fines start at $500 for the first five violations, then increase to $1,000 for the next five violations, and $2,500 for every violation after that. Residents will need to provide photographic or video evidence to confirm the trucks are associated with the data center project in order for the fines to be enforced.

  • Construction of the data center began in late 2025.
  • The township board voted unanimously on March 11, 2026 to impose the new fines.

The players

Saline Township

The local township government that oversees the area where the data center is being built and has implemented the new fines to address construction traffic issues.

Related Digital

The data center developer that is overseeing construction of the 2.2-million-square-foot facility for OpenAI and Oracle.

Tom Hammond

A Saline Township trustee who has personally documented instances of construction trucks violating the traffic protocols.

Natalie Ravitz

A spokesperson for Related Digital who says the company is working with the township and law enforcement to mitigate disruptions from the increased construction traffic.

Walbridge

The general contractor for the data center project.

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What they’re saying

“'You got to have pictures of the truck or video proof,' township Trustee Tom Hammond said. 'It's got to be verified that it's a truck with the data center.'”

— Tom Hammond, Saline Township Trustee

“'Every contractor receives a route map, is instructed to strictly follow all local codes and laws and signs an agreement to that effect,' Ravtiz said. 'Failure to follow these procedures may result in termination.'”

— Natalie Ravitz, Related Digital Spokesperson

What’s next

The Washtenaw County Circuit Court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the consent judgment, including the new fines. Related Digital and the general contractor Walbridge will also be required to continue notifying subcontractors of the traffic protocols.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that large-scale tech projects can face when it comes to managing construction traffic and mitigating impacts on local communities. The new fines show the township is taking an active approach to enforcing the agreed-upon traffic rules and holding the data center developers accountable.