Construction Begins On Grand Prix Racetrack

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In downtown Baltimore, construction is underway for the Baltimore Grand Prix.

Kai Jackson was there as workers started installing the racetrack that cars will use to speed through the Inner Harbor.

Speed is the key word.  These high performance machines will blaze through Baltimore, yet race promoters say the benefits they bring will last much longer.

A total of 16 grandstands are being constructed.  One of many retaining walls sits at the Inner Harbor.  The Baltimore Grand Prix is starting to take shape, and event promoters couldn't be happier.

"It's a major day," said Jay Davidson.

"People are going to be amazed when they see Baltimore around the world," said Martyn Thake.

Thake designed the two-mile track that will run along the Inner Harbor and around Camden Yards.

"What we're building is really a small city within a city," Thake said.

"The fans will be incredibly safe.  We've been doing these street races around the world for more than 30 years," Thake said.

The path to this point hasn't always been a smooth ride.  Construction on the race surface has forced road closures, causing headaches for Baltimore drivers.

Starting Monday night, crews will begin working on Light Street along the Inner Harbor.  Next week, work begins on Conway Street from Light Street to Camden Yards.  Much of the work will be done overnight, so it doesn't tie up traffic.

Starting Aug. 29, several roads will be shut down and around two dozen bus routes will be diverted as the need for speed takes over the area.

The race will cover a two-mile course through downtown Baltimore Labor Day weekend.  The economic impact to the city and state is estimated to be $60 to $100 million.

The MTA is warning drivers to be prepared with alternate routes as it gets closer to race day.

The Grand Prix has started a website to help inform drivers of traffic closures.  For more information, click here.