Construction began Tuesday morning on part of the 1.97-mile street course that will be the site of April's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Some of the more than 2,400 concrete blocks that are part of the safety barrier system were installed Tuesday on the 11-turn circuit. More than 14 million pounds of concrete blocks and four miles of fencing will line the track during the April 15-17 race weekend.
Workers also will bolt together about 17,000 tires, providing another layer of trackside safety, and build 15 spectator grandstands, seven pedestrian bridges that cross parts of the track and seven vision boards that allow fans to watch the action from all over the track.
All businesses in the area, which includes Shoreline Drive, Aquarium Way and Pine Avenue, will remain open during construction.
Race weekend is headlined by the Verizon IndyCar Seris and IMSA Sports Car Grand Prix. The event also features the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Pirelli World Challenge, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks and Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge.
Ticket prices range from $30 to $142.
