Construction begins on Surfers track
A relocation of services on Macintosh Island will allow greater pedestrian flow, providing much easier access around the entire precinct.
Today marked the official start of construction of the Gold Coast street circuit, with the traditional positioning of the maiden pedestrian bridge (PB8) at the northern end of the racing precinct, near Tedder Avenue.
“It’s been a continual process to ensure fans of the Lexmark Indy 300 come away from the event boasting positive experiences during their visit to the Gold Coast," said Lexmark Indy 300 Operations Manager David Bennett. Right Lexmark Indy 300 Operations Manager David Bennett with Bartercard Miss Indy Sarah Buller.
“The changes implemented this time around are bound to be well received by patrons.
“The general idea has been to open up the rear pathway which winds its way north-south along the precinct behind the Champ Car pit area.
“We’ll shuffle around the placement of particular facilities including the Champ Car driver’s area and the regular public bar area and this will ensure more fluid movement of patrons across all four days of the Lexmark Indy 300.
“The reshuffle will also open up shaded rest areas throughout the precinct which will prove ideal for families with small children and similarly appreciated by all individuals. Left, David Bennett looks to recruit Sarah Buller as part of the construction team.
“The only other changes during the construction phase will be the allocation of additional entertainment activities at the Frozen World site at turn two of the circuit."
Over the next two months leading into the Lexmark Indy 300, the construction schedule will include:
• 2515 concrete barriers (10km) weighing 4 tons each
• 25 grandstands – 12,120 seats
• 10km debris fencing
• 16km security fencing
• 9 pedestrian bridges
• 4 over-track signs
• 8 big screens
• 500 televisions
• 160 corporate suites
• 150 temporary sheds, containers & reefers
• 6000 man hours of electrical reticulation
• 100km of cabling
• 500 tons of steel for Pit Buildings
• 1 International Standard Temporary Outside Broadcast Compound
• 700 trackside marshals (fire marshals, trackside, flag, communications, spectator, etc.)
• 900 officials (gates, grandstands, corporate suites, info booths, accreditation centre, media centre, etc.)
• 6000 Permanent residents inside track precinct
The Lexmark Indy 300 street circuit is an international leader in motor racing safety standards.
Lexmark Indy 300 Operations Manager David Bennett said the Gold Coast circuit has been acclaimed internationally and is used as a benchmark for new temporary street circuits world-wide.
“It is a significant achievement to convert a thriving and bustling commercial and recreational district into a motor racing circuit, able to facilitate more than 300,000 people and high-speed motor racing action.
“This major undertaking involves cooperation and support from State Government, Gold Coast City Council, other State and Local Authorities, hundreds of contractors, residents and commuters.
“It is a very slick operation with minor disruptions to Gold Coast residents and commuters. Some disturbance is unavoidable but we are always striving to keep this to a minimum."
Gold Coast based engineering company Hyder Weathered Howe has overseen the extensive building procedure since the first Event in 1991, annually reviewing, modifying and improving the plans to position the Lexmark Indy 300 as a world-leading circuit.
To facilitate the construction of the circuit, a traffic initiative introduced in 1999 will continue this year to reduce traffic delays.
Two traffic lanes will remain open on the Gold Coast Highway at all times with the speed limit on the southbound side reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h during the construction process.