ARIZONA STATE EDITION
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May 28 2017 Vol. I • No. 11
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.” Your Arizona Connection – Dennis Hogeboom – 1-877-7CEGLTD – dennishogeboom@cegltd.com
Phoenix Raceway Shifts Into High Gear Grand Canyon Water Pipeline Repairs Complete
By Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
Construction crews in Avondale, Ariz., are shifting into high gear as work continues on a $178 million modernization of Phoenix International Raceway. The much-needed renovation calls for enhanced amenities for fans, teams and sponsors, in a city known for its racing tradition. “People associated with the sport have always loved coming to Phoenix,” said Phoenix Raceway track president Bryan Sperber. “It’s because of the community here, the weather, there’s a lot to see and do. And the race track itself. It’s a quirky design. There’s nothing else like it. From a driver’s perspective, they really love racing here. But, everybody’s had to overlook a lot of the shortcomings of the facility.” Among the highlights of the Phoenix Raceway facelift is a completely redesigned infield featuring a first-of-its-kind garage viewing experience that places fans face-to-face with the superstars of the sport. Phoenix Raceway’s start/finish line also will be repositioned in Turn 2 just before the track’s dogleg. For Sperber and his colleagues, the construction work is a top priority. “We think about this project every day. We want to get it right. For the teams, drivers and fans, we really want to do a great job with this project. We’re very mindful that we’ve got a great responsibility to deliver on that, so we’re taking it very seriously.” The project includes the installation of new/upgraded seating and hospitality areas near the current Turn 2 location. A new grandstand will be built alongside upgraded seats in the existing Bobby Allison Grandstand, with both featuring individual chair back stadium seats with armrests. New escalators and elevators, additional restrooms and
The project includes the installation of new/upgraded seating and hospitality areas near the current Turn 2 location.
concessions are planned, along with a redesigned Midway located near the seating areas. The renovation also calls for a new pedestrian tunnel connecting the infield to the new seating areas featuring in-seat Wi-Fi connectivity. “Beginning with Daytona Rising, International Speedway Corporation (ISC) made a clear commitment to reinvest in its properties, delivering the type of race-week experiences fans are looking for,” said Sperber. “We’re extremely grateful to be the ‘second act’ in this vision that begins with Lesa France Kennedy. We’ve taken every aspect of the planning, preparation and
building for this project seriously because we know how much this place means to so many people.” A great deal of planning was involved, even before the decision was made to commit the funds to the highly anticipated project. “For more than five years ahead of it, we had been brainstorming and planning ways to modernize this venue. The finished vision that’s being constructed is in large part due to the hard work of so many people. “Our goal was to make the modernization project at Phoenix Raceway its see RACEWAY page 2
Repairs to the damaged water pipeline serving Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim were completed ahead of schedule, allowing lodging for those with prior reservations, campgrounds and other services to open May 15 as normally scheduled. Park maintenance crews worked diligently to replace more than 387 ft. of pipeline that was found damaged or missing in March and April. Heavy winter storms caused rockslides that took out segments of the pipeline, which is partially exposed as it traverses rough canyon terrain. It was the worst damage to the pipeline in more than 20 years. The park also hired a private contractor to haul at least 30,000-40,000 gal. of water a day to North Rim storage tanks as part of its effort to minimize the effects of the pipeline damage on visitors and concessionaires. Hauling began April 28 and continued until the pipeline was repaired. Forever Resorts, operator of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge — North Rim, announced May 11 it would allow visitors who’d booked stays at the lodge between May 15 and May 25 to restore their reservations. Reservations were cancelled during that time until pipeline repairs were done, the water system was tested, and the park was sure it had enough drinking water for visitors and fire suppression. The lodge restaurant is open for all meals with a full menu and a breakfast buffet. Other North Rim services also were opened on time when the gates to the North Rim opened at 7:30 a.m. May 15. Campsites opened with potable water, laundry and showers. The North Rim grocery store, gas station and post office will be open. Grand Canyon Trail Rides offered at the North Rim began operations on May 15. The North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Association bookstore opened as scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with a variety of ranger programs offered. The backcountry information center is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. daily. see PIPELINE page 4