A brand-new start/finish bridge connecting parking and hospitality areas with the race paddock has been put into position at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca racetrack.
“The new bridge at Laguna Seca is a long overdue investment,” said Luis Alejo, chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. “This shows a true commitment by the board of supervisors to properly maintain our world-renowned racetrack so that we continue to attract premier racing events and tourism to Monterey County and our entire region.”
The bridge, which is 160ft in length and weighs 71 tons, was approved five months ago by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Work on the multi-million-dollar project began in November 2022, but fell behind schedule due to rainfall, erosion and flooding at the site.
To ensure the bridge is ready ahead of the Trans Am SpeedFest on May 5-7 and the Motul Course de Monterey, powered by Hyundai N, on May 12-14, building company Granite Construction has been working double shifts. The project is the largest carried out at the circuit since the Hospitality Pavilion was built in 2006, and a previous repaving in 2007.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will also be closed from May 16 for the entire track to be resurfaced. This project will be completed ahead of the MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest on July 7-9.
“Only shadowed by the renowned Corkscrew and famous Andretti Hairpin, the Laguna Seca Start/Finish Bridge is a preeminent feature of the Laguna Seca Raceway,” said Bryan Flores, chief of parks with public works, facilities and parks for the County of Monterey.
“The replacement of the aged wooden bridge will serve to provide a safe and efficient path of travel for our visitors and spectators from around the globe. Without the support by the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors, this project would never have come to fruition and for that, the world racing community is sincerely grateful.”
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the significant improvements being made to the Laguna Seca track and facilities,” commented Jim Hovde, project manager for Granite Construction.
“It was clear from the start that this was a schedule-driven project and we would need to perform flawlessly in order to complete the project on time. Enter the winter of 2022/2023, and the increased challenges caused by working between seemingly endless rain events, yet we have continued to set milestones and celebrate our accomplishments one day at a time. The tireless efforts of the entire project team add to the rich history of this historic track and its legacy.”
