America's AI Data Center Boom Needs Strong Ground Infrastructure—and Legacy Paving Is Ready

Nationwide commercial asphalt paving for AI data centers, hyperscale campuses and technology facilities. Use our free asphalt calculator below to estimate your project in seconds.

 

Artificial intelligence may live in the cloud, but the facilities powering it depend on substantial physical infrastructure built on the ground.

Across the United States, developers are constructing increasingly large AI data centers, cloud-computing facilities and hyperscale campuses. These projects require more than server buildings, substations and cooling systems. They need durable access roads, employee parking lots, truck routes, loading zones, equipment pads, staging areas and internal campus roadways.

Legacy Paving provides commercial asphalt paving solutions for AI data centers and technology facilities throughout the United States.

From smaller regional facilities to large, multi-building data center campuses, Legacy Paving can support projects ranging from asphalt repairs and parking-lot installation to phased paving of extensive industrial sites.

The United States Is Entering a Data Center Construction Supercycle

The amount of data center construction currently underway demonstrates the scale of the opportunity.

According to JLL's 2026 North America Data Center Report, more than 35 gigawatts of data center capacity is under construction across North America. Approximately 64% of that pipeline is being built outside established data center markets, as developers search for available power, suitable land and faster construction timelines.

JLL also reports that the North American market has approximately 39 gigawatts of active data center capacity, split between leased facilities and properties owned by hyperscale operators. The company expects Texas to potentially surpass Virginia as the world's largest data center market by 2030.

This growth is being driven by several interconnected industries:

• Artificial intelligence
• Cloud computing
• Machine learning
• Online commerce
• Streaming platforms
• Financial technology
• Healthcare data
• Government computing
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise data storage

Every one of these digital services depends on physical facilities—and every facility depends on reliable site infrastructure.

AI Is Reshaping Data Center Development

Traditional data centers were primarily built to store information and operate cloud applications. AI facilities must also support intensive computing workloads used to train and operate increasingly complex artificial-intelligence models.

These facilities can contain thousands of high-performance servers and specialized graphics processing units. They also require major electrical infrastructure, cooling equipment, backup power systems and continuous equipment deliveries.

JLL estimated that AI represented approximately 15% of data center workloads in 2024 and could increase to approximately 40% by 2030.

“AI will be a key source of growth for the sector.” — JLL

The growth of AI workloads means larger facilities, heavier equipment, more construction traffic and continued investment in both new campuses and existing data center expansions.

That places greater importance on professionally designed and installed pavement.

Free Asphalt Calculator: Estimate Your Data Center Paving Project

How much asphalt does your project need? Use the free Legacy Paving asphalt calculator below to estimate tonnage and material for parking lots, access roads and truck routes. Enter your dimensions and pavement thickness to get an instant estimate—then call (216) 677-2466 for an exact project quote.

Estimates are for planning purposes only. Final tonnage depends on compaction, base conditions, waste factor and site specifics—request a formal quote for bid-ready numbers.

Data Center Electricity Demand Shows the Scale of Expansion

Electricity demand is one of the clearest measurements of how quickly the industry is expanding.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that data centers consumed approximately 4.4% of all electricity used in the United States in 2023. By 2028, that share could rise to between 6.7% and 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption.

Total U.S. data center electricity consumption increased from approximately:

• 58 terawatt-hours in 2014
• 176 terawatt-hours in 2023
• A projected 325 to 580 terawatt-hours by 2028

“Projected to double or triple by 2028.” — U.S. Department of Energy

Globally, the International Energy Agency projects that data center electricity consumption could double to approximately 945 terawatt-hours by 2030. The agency forecasts annual data center electricity growth of roughly 15% between 2024 and 2030, more than four times faster than growth in electricity consumption from other sectors.

These power-demand figures represent real construction activity: new buildings, utility installations, substations, access roads, parking lots and infrastructure networks.

Data Center Construction Costs Are Rising

AI facilities are among the most capital-intensive commercial construction projects being developed today.

JLL reports that the average global cost of constructing data center capacity increased from approximately $7.7 million per megawatt in 2020 to $10.7 million per megawatt in 2025. For 2026, the firm forecasts an average cost of approximately $11.3 million per megawatt.

A 100-megawatt facility can therefore represent more than $1 billion in construction investment before accounting for every site-specific variable.

On a large campus, the civil and paving scope can include:

• Multiple construction entrances
• Heavy-duty access roads
• Employee and visitor parking
• Truck circulation routes
• Loading and unloading zones
• Security checkpoints
• Emergency access lanes
• Generator and equipment areas
• Internal campus roadways
• Utility-cut restoration
• Stormwater and drainage infrastructure
• Final paving after construction completion

Legacy Paving works with developers, general contractors, construction managers and facility owners to plan asphalt work around the larger project schedule.

Demand Continues to Exceed Available Data Center Supply

Despite record construction, the data center market remains extremely tight.

CBRE reported that the vacancy rate across primary North American data center markets reached a record-low 1.4% at the end of 2025. Primary-market supply increased by 36% year over year to 9,432 megawatts, yet demand absorbed much of the new capacity.

Primary data center markets recorded approximately 2,497.6 megawatts of net absorption during 2025, compared with 1,809.5 megawatts during 2024. Northern Virginia alone accounted for approximately 1,102 megawatts of that absorption.

CBRE also reported that approximately 5,994 megawatts remained under construction in primary markets at the end of 2025. However, many planned projects face delays involving electrical capacity, zoning, permitting and utility interconnections.

“Power availability and delivery timelines continue to shape site selection.” — CBRE

Where power becomes available, developers must often move quickly. That makes dependable subcontractors and organized construction sequencing especially important.

Why Asphalt Is the Right Pavement for Data Center Campuses

When developers compare asphalt paving vs. concrete paving for data center sites, asphalt offers several advantages that align directly with how these projects are built and operated:

Speed of installation. Asphalt can typically be placed, compacted and opened to traffic within 24 to 72 hours, while concrete may require 7 or more days of curing before accepting heavy loads. On power-constrained projects where every week matters, asphalt keeps the construction schedule moving.

Lower installed cost per square foot. Commercial asphalt paving generally costs significantly less than reinforced concrete over comparable areas—an important consideration on campuses with hundreds of thousands of square feet of roads, parking and staging surfaces. Run your own numbers with the asphalt calculator above.

Phased construction compatibility. Asphalt is installed in courses. A binder course can carry construction traffic for months or years, then be topped with a fresh surface course at project completion—delivering a brand-new finished surface at turnover.

Repairability. Data center campuses see constant utility work—conduit runs, fiber trenching, water and cooling lines. Asphalt utility-cut restoration is faster and blends more seamlessly than concrete patching.

Freeze-thaw flexibility. Asphalt's flexible pavement structure tolerates ground movement and freeze-thaw cycling common in emerging Midwest and Northeast data center markets like Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Recyclability and sustainability. Asphalt is America's most recycled material. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can be incorporated into new mixes, and milled material can be reused as aggregate base—supporting the sustainability commitments many hyperscale operators make on their projects.

Engineered Heavy-Duty Asphalt for Industrial Traffic Loads

Data center pavement fails when it is designed like an ordinary retail parking lot. Legacy Paving approaches these sites as industrial-grade flexible pavement, engineered around actual traffic loading.

A heavy-duty commercial asphalt section typically involves:

• Subgrade evaluation and stabilization – proof-rolling, undercutting soft areas and stabilizing weak soils before any stone is placed
• Deep aggregate base – 8 to 12+ inches of compacted dense-graded aggregate for truck routes, versus 4 to 6 inches for car-only areas
• Asphalt binder course – a coarse, stone-rich lower lift (often 2.5 to 4 inches) that provides structural strength under wheel loads
• Asphalt surface course – a finer top lift (typically 1.5 to 2 inches) that delivers a smooth, dense, sealed wearing surface
• Full-depth asphalt design where soil conditions or loading warrant it

Traffic loading on data center campuses is measured in ESALs (equivalent single-axle loads). A single loaded tractor-trailer applies thousands of times the pavement damage of a passenger car. Generator deliveries, transformer haulers and crane movements concentrate even greater loads. Pavement sections in these corridors must be designed accordingly—thicker base, thicker asphalt lifts and polymer-modified or heavy-duty mix designs where specified.

Legacy Paving can install pavement to engineer-specified sections or help owners and general contractors determine an appropriate heavy-duty asphalt design for each zone of the site: car parking, truck routes, loading docks and equipment pads.

Nationwide Asphalt Paving for AI Data Centers

Legacy Paving provides asphalt and commercial paving services for qualified AI data center projects throughout the United States.

Legacy Paving's existing commercial capabilities include asphalt installation, repair, resurfacing, crack filling, pavement maintenance, site preparation, grading, drainage work, sealcoating and line striping. The family-owned company reports more than 50 years of combined paving experience.

Services for data center properties can include:

New Asphalt Installation

New data center campuses require paved surfaces designed around the expected use of each area. Legacy Paving can install asphalt for parking lots, access roads, drive lanes and other commercial surfaces.

Heavy-Duty Access Roads

Construction entrances and truck routes may be exposed to tractor-trailers, cranes, concrete trucks, utility vehicles and heavy equipment. These areas require proper grading, base preparation and pavement specifications.

Employee and Visitor Parking Lots

Large data centers may employ hundreds of workers, contractors and security personnel. Properly organized parking improves traffic flow, safety and site appearance.

Loading and Delivery Areas

Servers, generators, cooling equipment, transformers and construction materials must be delivered to the facility. Loading and unloading areas need pavement capable of handling repeated commercial traffic.

Internal Campus Roadways

Hyperscale projects may contain several data center buildings distributed across hundreds of acres. Legacy Paving can help construct and maintain the roadways connecting buildings, utility areas, security stations and service entrances.

Asphalt Resurfacing

Existing pavement that remains structurally stable may be restored through asphalt milling and resurfacing (mill-and-overlay) rather than complete removal and replacement. A 1.5- to 2-inch asphalt overlay can restore a like-new surface at a fraction of full reconstruction cost.

Asphalt Repairs and Patching

Legacy Paving repairs potholes, failed pavement sections, alligator cracking, worn truck routes and asphalt disturbed during utility construction—including full-depth patching where the base has failed.

Crack Filling and Sealcoating

Hot-applied crack sealing and commercial sealcoating protect asphalt from water intrusion and oxidation—the two leading causes of premature pavement failure—and keep large campuses looking professionally maintained.

Parking-Lot Striping and Markings

Clearly marked parking spaces, fire lanes, directional arrows, crosswalks, loading zones and ADA-accessible spaces help organize traffic and support site safety and compliance.

Drainage and Grading

Proper drainage is essential for preventing standing water, erosion, base deterioration and premature asphalt failure.

Paving Built for Heavy Data Center Traffic

Data center pavement must accommodate more than ordinary passenger vehicles.

During construction, the site may experience continuous traffic from:

• Dump trucks
• Concrete trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Cranes
• Utility vehicles
• Excavators
• Material-delivery vehicles
• Employee and contractor vehicles

After opening, the property continues to receive deliveries, maintenance vehicles, security patrols, emergency vehicles and equipment-service contractors.

A data center paving plan should consider:

• Projected traffic volume
• Vehicle weight and frequency
• Pavement thickness
• Aggregate base depth
• Soil and subgrade conditions
• Drainage design
• Freeze-and-thaw exposure
• Truck turning movements
• Utility locations
• Emergency access
• Future campus expansion

Legacy Paving can review project drawings and paving specifications to help determine the appropriate scope, sequence and installation approach.

Phased Paving for Active Data Center Construction

Paving a data center is rarely a single-step operation.

Electrical contractors, utility crews, building contractors, mechanical installers and equipment suppliers may all need access to the property at different stages. Installing the final surface too early can expose new pavement to unnecessary damage.

A phased paving program may include:

1. Preparing temporary construction entrances
2. Grading and stabilizing access routes
3. Installing aggregate base
4. Placing an initial asphalt binder course
5. Maintaining access during building construction
6. Repairing areas affected by utilities or heavy equipment
7. Installing the final asphalt surface
8. Completing striping, markings and finishing work

Legacy Paving can coordinate its work with the general contractor's schedule to keep the facility accessible while protecting completed pavement.

Long-Term Asphalt Maintenance Programs for Data Center Operators

A data center is a 20- to 30-year asset—and its pavement should be managed the same way. Once a campus is operational, a proactive asphalt maintenance program protects the paving investment and avoids disruptive emergency repairs near mission-critical infrastructure.

A typical commercial pavement maintenance schedule looks like:

• Years 1–2: Initial inspection; hot-applied crack sealing as hairline cracks appear
• Years 2–4: First sealcoating application; restriping
• Every 2–3 years thereafter: Sealcoat and re-stripe on a rotating basis by campus zone
• Ongoing: Prompt pothole patching, utility-cut restoration and drainage correction
• Years 12–18: Mill-and-overlay of high-traffic corridors to reset the pavement life cycle

Facility and property managers benefit from working with a single asphalt maintenance contractor who understands security protocols, escort requirements, work-hour restrictions and the sensitivity of operating around live electrical and cooling infrastructure. Legacy Paving can structure recurring pavement maintenance contracts for data center campuses so operators have predictable budgets and one accountable point of contact.

Serving Emerging and Established Data Center Markets

Data center development is expanding beyond the industry's traditional hubs.

Major and emerging markets include:

• Northern Virginia
• Dallas and other Texas markets
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Columbus and Central Ohio
• Chicago, Illinois
• Hillsboro, Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• North Carolina
• Indiana
• Wisconsin
• Tennessee
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri

CBRE reported especially strong recent expansion in Northern Virginia, Dallas and Atlanta, while JLL found that most capacity now under construction is located outside established markets.

Notably, the Midwest has become one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure regions in the country. Central Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin have attracted multi-billion-dollar hyperscale campus announcements, driven by available land, power capacity and business-friendly development timelines. For a paving contractor rooted in the Midwest, Legacy Paving is well positioned to serve this new wave of heartland data center construction—while remaining available for qualified projects nationwide.

Why Choose Legacy Paving?

Data center projects require contractors who can work within demanding schedules while coordinating with multiple construction trades.

Legacy Paving offers:

• More than 50 years of combined paving experience
• Commercial and industrial asphalt capabilities
• Projects ranging from smaller repairs to large paving scopes
• New asphalt installation and resurfacing
• Heavy-duty asphalt design for truck and equipment traffic
• Site preparation and grading
• Asphalt repair and pavement maintenance
• Crack sealing and commercial sealcoating
• Parking-lot striping and ADA markings
• Drainage solutions
• Phased construction coordination
• Recurring pavement maintenance programs
• Nationwide availability for qualified data center projects

Whether the project requires one parking area, a heavy-duty access road or asphalt paving across an entire campus, Legacy Paving is prepared to evaluate the opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Center Asphalt Paving

How much does it cost to pave a data center parking lot or access road?

Commercial asphalt paving costs depend on square footage, pavement thickness, aggregate base depth, soil conditions, drainage requirements and regional material pricing. Heavy-duty truck routes cost more per square foot than standard car parking because they require thicker base and asphalt sections. Start with our free asphalt calculator for a material estimate, then send site plans to Legacy Paving for a project-specific quote.

How do I calculate how much asphalt I need?

Multiply length × width to get square footage, then multiply by pavement thickness (in feet) to get cubic feet. Hot-mix asphalt weighs approximately 145 pounds per cubic foot compacted, so divide total pounds by 2,000 for tonnage. Or skip the math—the Legacy Paving asphalt calculator above does it instantly.

How thick should asphalt be for data center truck routes?

Heavy-duty commercial areas typically require 4 to 6+ inches of total asphalt (binder plus surface course) over 8 to 12+ inches of compacted aggregate base, depending on soil conditions and expected loading. Car-only parking areas can often use lighter sections. Final thickness should follow the project engineer's pavement design.

Can you pave while the data center is still under construction?

Yes. Phased paving is standard practice on data center projects. Legacy Paving can install base and binder course early to carry construction traffic, then return to place the final surface course, repairs and striping once heavy construction is complete.

Is asphalt or concrete better for data center sites?

Both have roles. Concrete is often used for dock aprons, dumpster pads and generator pads with extreme point loads. Asphalt is typically the better choice for access roads, parking lots and campus roadways because it installs faster, costs less, handles freeze-thaw movement, is easier to repair after utility work and can be resurfaced rather than replaced.

How long does new commercial asphalt last?

A properly designed and installed heavy-duty asphalt pavement typically lasts 20 to 30 years with routine maintenance—crack sealing, periodic sealcoating and timely repairs—plus a mill-and-overlay at mid-life to reset the surface.

Does Legacy Paving travel for data center projects?

Yes. Legacy Paving provides nationwide asphalt paving for qualified data center and large commercial projects, serving both established markets like Northern Virginia, Dallas and Atlanta and emerging markets across Ohio, the Midwest and the South.

How soon can new asphalt handle truck traffic?

Asphalt can typically accept traffic within 24 to 72 hours of placement depending on temperatures and lift thickness—dramatically faster than concrete, which generally requires a week or more of curing before heavy loads.

Request a Data Center Asphalt Paving Quote

Are you planning an AI data center, cloud-computing facility, colocation building or hyperscale campus?

Legacy Paving works with:

• Data center developers
• General contractors
• Construction management companies
• Commercial property owners
• Engineering firms
• Facility operators
• Technology companies
• Infrastructure investors

To receive an accurate paving quote, provide:

• Project location
• Site plans
• Asphalt specifications
• Approximate square footage (use the calculator to get started)
• Pavement thickness requirements
• Construction schedule
• Expected project phases
• Bid deadline
• General contractor contact information

From small technology facilities to large AI data center campuses, Legacy Paving is your source for professional asphalt paving across the United States.

Visit LegacyPaving.biz or call (216) 677-2466 to discuss an upcoming data center paving project.