What We Did

Reconstructing one of General Motor’s test tracks required high-tolerance construction and a quick turnaround time only Ajax Paving could deliver.

The GM Circle Test Track is one of GM’s most important assets for testing new vehicles, and every day it’s closed costs the automaker significant time and money. Working on an expedited schedule of less than eight months, Ajax Paving still managed to complete the project one month ahead of schedule.

Ajax Paving removed and replaced four concrete driving lanes with 8-inch pavement over 4.5 miles. Lane 5 was patched as needed. The inner asphalt shoulder was replaced and all the existing joints in the upper shoulder were resealed. Additionally, subgrade improvements were made throughout, an edge drain was installed outside the inner shoulder and various signage, electrical, and striping were upgraded.

Due to the track’s unique parabolic shape, up to 30% sloping/banking in the upper lanes, the concrete surface required the latest technology and pavement techniques. Ajax worked with GOMACO, the paver manufacture, to modify the pavers to ensure the automated grade control set the vertical location and horizontal grade for the best possible ride measurement.

The GM Circle Test Track won two major awards, the 2016 Michigan Concrete Association Quality Award and the 2017 American Concrete Paving Association Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award.