If you’ve been dealing with dust, heavy equipment and construction traffic from Google’s massive data center project, the company has a message for you: It knows the work is causing headaches, and it’s offering some relief.
Google says it will provide eligible neighbors with a free year of unlimited car washes while work continues on its Franklin Furnace data center campus. The company is also planning major road improvements aimed at easing traffic problems and making travel safer around the construction site.
The announcement comes as Google prepares for a community meeting where residents can hear about the construction schedule, planned roadwork and what to expect over the next several years.
And there’s plenty more construction ahead.
A Free Year of Car Washes
Google acknowledges that construction has created problems for people living near the site, particularly when it comes to dust.
Despite regular street sweeping and dust-control measures, the company says nearby residents are still dealing with the effects of ongoing work.
In a message announcing the program, Google said it recognizes that construction is generating “noticeable dust and disruption” for its immediate neighbors.
As an apology and a thank-you for their patience, the company is offering eligible adjacent residents a voucher for a one-year unlimited car wash membership at Thoroughbred Express.
Residents can apply through Google’s car wash voucher application.
The announcement does not specify exactly which addresses qualify or how many vouchers will be available.
Major Road Improvements Are Coming
Google also outlined plans for significant road improvements around the campus.
The company says it has completed a traffic impact study covering Gallia Pike, Braunlin Road and Raike Lane. Engineering and design work is underway, with road construction expected to begin in 2027.
The improvements are intended to address traffic, road safety and access problems associated with the development.
Gallia Pike: Wider Roads and a New Bridge
Approximately 6,600 feet of Gallia Pike would be widened to three 12-foot lanes with 8-foot shoulders.
The project would also replace drainage culverts, improve intersections with dedicated turning lanes and replace the structurally deficient, weight-restricted bridge over Ginat Creek.
That bridge replacement could be particularly important as the area handles increased construction traffic.
Safer Access to Green Local Schools
The roadway improvements would also create a new safety corridor around Green Local Schools.
Plans include dedicated northbound and southbound left-turn lanes at the school, upgraded traffic signals and ADA-compliant crosswalks.
Decorative pedestrian lighting and landscaping would also be added.
The changes are designed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in an area used by students, families and school staff.
Braunlin Road: Eliminating a Dangerous Curve
One of the biggest changes involves Braunlin Road.
Google plans to relocate the roadway approximately 450 feet north to eliminate an existing hazardous 90-degree curve.
The new alignment would be elevated above the 100-year floodplain, improving access during high-water conditions.
The project is also designed to move heavy construction traffic away from nearby homes and marina visitors.
Raike Lane: Wider Road and Cemetery Parking
Raike Lane would be widened to two 12-foot lanes and elevated above the 100-year floodplain.
The project would also create a dedicated six-space parking pull-off for people visiting Duduit Cemetery.
Construction Will Continue Into 2029
While the road improvements and car wash program are intended to ease some of the inconvenience, residents should expect construction activity to continue for several more years.
Google says its initial plans include two massive data center buildings, each measuring approximately 850,000 square feet.
Together, that’s 1.7 million square feet of data center space, not counting auxiliary buildings.
The campus plans also identify two additional locations being considered for future buildings.
Google estimates that construction will support between 3,500 and 4,500 construction jobs.
Major construction began during the summer of 2026, and the company has outlined several upcoming milestones.
- December 2026 through January 2027: Initial site work and foundation pours for Building 2.
- May through August 2027: The buildings are expected to become weathertight, allowing interior work to begin.
- March 2029: Targeted completion of Building 2.
- June 2029: Targeted completion of Building 1.
That means neighbors could be living with construction activity for roughly another two and a half years.
The company has not announced construction dates for the two additional building locations under consideration.
Google Wants to Hear From Neighbors
Google representatives, along with the company’s construction and engineering partners, will hold a community open house on Tuesday, November 10.
The meeting will focus on construction progress, the remaining timeline and upcoming roadway improvements.
Google Community Open House: Road and Construction Update
- When: Tuesday, November 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Green High School, 4057 Gallia Pike, Franklin Furnace
- Who: Google representatives and construction and engineering partners
The meeting will give residents an opportunity to learn more about what’s planned for the roads surrounding the campus and what construction activity to expect next.
For neighbors dealing with dusty vehicles and construction traffic today, the free car washes offer some immediate relief.
The larger promise is that the roads surrounding the data center will eventually be wider, safer and better equipped to handle traffic.
But with construction scheduled to continue into 2029, residents still have a long road ahead.
