CotA begins final paving process
The Circuit of the Americas began the intensive final paving process at the end of last week that is required to prepare the circuit for its F1 debut with the return of the United States Grand Prix in November.
The massive paving project will involve final paving of the 3.4-mile racing surface, venue access and service roads, and walkways around the property.
Defined as 'echelon paving', it involves three to four paving machines moving in unison along the racetrack surface to ensure a uniform, seamless top layer of asphalt.
The pavement material itself has a unique composition compared to that used on public roadways. It is required to be highly skid-resistant for the type of vehicles driving on the track, as well as the high speeds being reached. The composition ensures consistency of texture, smoothness of ride, and the conformance to the specifications outlined by motorsports governing body, the FIA. Approximately 10,500 tons of hot mix asphalt will be used to pave the track itself.
"This is an exciting milestone in our construction process, and will help us quickly transform Circuit of The Americas from a construction site into a working sports and entertainment facility," said CotA vice president of public and community relations Julie Loignon.
"Our paving team, which is comprised of Austin Commercial, Tilke GmbH and a variety of subcontractors, has extensive experience in projects requiring this extreme level of detail, and we're confident the end result will be a Grade 1 racetrack that puts Austin on the world motorsports map."
