Proposed large-scale data center in Hanover to conduct balloon test

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Hanover County's newest proposed data center is taking the next steps despite pushback from residents over its proposal last week.

Hanover authorities on Wednesday, Feb. 18, said the 427-acre Mountain Road Technology Park will conduct a balloon test on the property on Friday, Feb. 20. The data center is located off of Route 33 in the town of Ashland, within the county's South Anna District.

The balloon test will determine whether there is a visual impact on the surrounding areas, as it allows local communities to visualize the height of the planned facility. The test is typically conducted when proposed structures are "significantly taller than permitted," per the county.

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According to Hanover officials, three red and yellow balloons will be flown at three different locations on the property between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The public can observe the balloons from nearby roads and properties.

If the public can see the balloons, this means future buildings might be visible from adjacent properties, the county noted.

Hanover County residents last week voiced their concerns about the data center, citing environmental impacts, traffic, noise pollution, water usage and its proximity to nearby homes.

According to its developer Tract, Mountain Road Technology Park is expected to support about 1,100 construction jobs and generate nearly 8% of Hanover's 2026 revenues from property taxes.

The data center proposal will go before the Hanover County Planning Commission at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Last month, plans for a similar data center in the county spanning 400 acres along Ashland Road were withdrawn after pushback from Hanover leaders and residents.

Virginia is considered the data center capital of the world. For more on data centers across the Commonwealth, click here.