Data centre boom props up US construction planning

Planning momentum in March in the US was powered almost entirely by data center projects. Image courtesy of Ramboll

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network increased 1.8% in March. However, without the data centre boom, commercial planning would have dropped 12% during that period.

“Planning momentum in March was powered almost entirely by data center projects, with most other sectors easing back,” said Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network.

“For some categories, this reflects a natural reset after the outsized growth in late 2025. But for others, elevated macroeconomic risks are likely beginning to feed into planning decisions.”

On the commercial side, planning momentum slowed across all commercial sectors apart from data centers. Institutional planning saw widespread weakness, with only education and public buildings moderately gaining traction.

A total of 54 projects valued at US$100 million or more entered planning throughout February. The largest of those projects included 17 individual buildings, each valued at $500 million, for the Amazon Data Center Campus in Hamlet, North Carolina. Similarly, ten individual buildings, each valued at $250 million, entered planning in relation to the Microsoft Data Center DSM50 in Dallas, Iowa.

The largest institutional projects were the $245 million MCLJ Outpatient Pavilion in San Diego, California, the $183 million Orlando Health Viera Hospital (Phase 1B) in Viera West, Florida, and the $175 million Bachelor Enlisted Quarters renovation project at Camp Pendleton North in San Diego, California.