From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Work Begins on New Turn 1 Bridge at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. – Infineon Raceway has begun work on a new bridge at Turn 1 that will not only help with pedestrian traffic flow, but also make for a much safer circuit for all competitors on the twisting road course. The bridge is tentatively planned to be unveiled at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Cycle Gear, April 30-May 2.

The new bridge will span 180 feet and will be positioned closer to Turn 2. The new location will create an additional 120 feet of runoff at Turn 1, and remove the old bridge abutments from the runoff area in Turn 1. The new bridge will have ramps instead of stairs, which will create for smoother pedestrian flow, and feature an enclosed metal framework, a big improvement from the old wooden bridge that spanned the area for many years.

Grading for the new abutments has already been completed and footings for the bridge have been poured. The bridge is being built in Alabama and should arrive at Infineon Raceway in mid-April. Raceway officials have also announced that the Turn 6 bridge (Carousel), which was taken down two months ago, will not be replaced. This will afford race fans better sightlines of the road course and give competitors more runoff in that area.

This marks the third major off-season project at Infineon Raceway as the road course was repaved in August, and a new Medical & Care Center is currently being constructed in the main paddock area. More than $65 million of improvements have been made at the facility since September, 2000.