Celebrating 25 Years of the NCAT Test Track

A truck drives on the NCAT Test Track. Text reads 'Celebrating 25 years of Test Track research'

Celebrating 25 years of the NCAT Test Track

This year, we’re celebrating a major milestone — 25 years since the NCAT Test Track first opened and trucks began rolling in 2000. For a quarter-century, the track has been paving the way for groundbreaking asphalt research, industry collaboration, and real-world innovation.

Join us as we look back on the history that’s shaped the Test Track, explore key moments from every research cycle, and uncover fun facts that tell the story of how 1.7 miles of pavement changed an entire industry. 

Look Back: 25 Years in Photos

Aerial view of NCAT
Aerial view of NCAT facility (2000)
NCAT Test Track construction
Test Track planning with Buzz Powell (2000)
Research in progress
Early research documentation (2000)
Team working
Test Track early construction (1999)
Testing equipment
Advanced testing equipment with Buzz Powell and Ray Brown (2001)
First research cycle
First research cycle begins (2000)
Early team photo
Early NCAT truck logo
Office facilities
Construction of office facilities (2000)
Lab work
Test Track early construction (1999)
Recent project
Test Track prior to initial asphalt lay
Equipment innovation
Equipment innovation
Field testing
Field testing procedures
Team meeting
Depth of first cycle
Data analysis
Test Track construction before asphalt lay
Anniversary event
Early Test Track curve

By the Numbers

1.7-mile
Oval Track
46
Test Sections
200-foot
Sections
11,540,714
Total miles on the track
(which is equal to...  ➙)
464
Trips around the earth
24
Round trips to the Moon and back

Timeline: 25 Years of the Test Track

August 1996
Board of Directors approves the concept of building a full-scale testing facility at NCAT, then known as the Oval Pavement Testing Facility. 
1998
Planning for the NCAT Test Track begins in collaboration with ALDOT, aiming to create a full-scale proving ground for asphalt innovation.
Late 1999
Construction starts on the 1.7-mile oval track, located 20 minutes from Auburn University's main campus, alongside NCAT’s new labs and offices in Auburn’s South Technology Park.
August 2000
Test Track construction completed, featuring new test sections ready to begin cycle 1. 
September 2000
First trucks roll on the Track (Cycle 1 begins), applying accelerated loading equivalent to years of real-world traffic.
October 2000
Dedication ceremony for Test Track and new offices/labs held in Auburn Hotel and Conference Center.
2003
Cycle 1 ends

  • - First cycle proves the Track’s ability to simulate 2–4 years of interstate traffic in just 24 months.

  • - Early findings lay the groundwork for industry-wide acceptance of accelerated pavement testing.

2006
Cycle 2 ends

  • - First-ever use of embedded stress/strain gauges at the Track to continuously monitor pavement response.

  • - Resurfacing studies begin, offering insight into overlay performance on older pavements.

2009
Cycle 3 ends

  • - Milestone: legacy sections from Cycle 1 reach 30 million ESALs.

  • - Warm mix asphalt makes its debut, setting the stage for broader U.S. adoption.

2012
Pavement Preservation study launches.
2012
Cycle 4 ends

  • - Original sections surpass 40 million ESALs without structural failure.

  • - Group Experiment pioneers side-by-side testing of high-RAP, warm-mix, and porous friction courses.

2015
Cycle 5 ends

  • - Green Group Experiment explores ways to maximize sustainability in asphalt mixtures.

  • - CCPR base layers tested as a structural alternative for rehabilitation projects.

2018
Cycle 6 ends

  • - Cracking Group Experiment connects lab test results to real-world performance.

  • - First Track experiments linked to MnROAD test cells for cross-climate comparison.

November 2018
Traffic begins on 7th cycle including off-ramp/low-volume sections
2021
Cycle 7 ends

  • - Experiments examine joint performance, OGFC durability, and the use of rejuvenators.

  • - Stabilized foundation layers tested for improved load-bearing capacity.

2022
10 million miles reached by truck fleet.
2024
Cycle 8 ends

  • - Additive Group evaluates fibers, plastics, and tire rubber for cracking resistance.

  • - First off-ramp experiments yield early implementation insights.

2024
Most recent cycle begins
(Cycle 9)
2025
Test Track celebrates 25 years of providing groundbreaking asphalt research and industry partnership.

Feature Stories

Discover the real-world impact of NCAT’s research and partnerships.

25th Anniversary Press Release
 History of NCAT

What Our Partners Are Saying

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The NCAT Test Track has provided TDOT with a powerful tool for making informed, data-driven decisions in our pavement program.
The research investments TDOT has made at the track have delivered a substantial return, positively shaping our program."

Alabama Department of Transportation
Implementation of the 0.54 structural coefficient reduced our overlay thicknesses by approximately 18% which has allowed us to stretch our resurfacing budget a little farther.
Subsequent work at the Track has proven that this reduction in thickness did not adversely affect the expected performance."

Virginia Department of Transportation
The major finding from our involvement at the Test Track has been related to the use of pavement recycling techniques in high traffic environments.
We’ve gained experience and knowledge that’s been applied to several reconstruction and widening projects on the interstate system across the state."

Mississippi Department of Transportation
Long-term evaluation of both test sections will significantly enhance the understanding of the behavior of this pavement structure under climate and traffic loading.
This research will lead to improved designs in both the cementitious stabilized material and HMA layers to extend the service life of these pavement structures."

Georgia Department of Transportation
GDOT's asphalt research and new product evaluations at the NCAT Test Track and off-site test sites has provided valuable insights into the complexities of pavement preservation techniques in asphalt pavements and product evaluation. 
By systematically evaluating a range of treatment methods, the study identifies promising solutions and underscores the necessity for ongoing innovation and testing in asphalt pavement maintenance and rehabilitation strategies.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is proud to celebrate the Test Track's 25th anniversary and our longstanding partnership at the Test Track. Research from our sponsored sections, including the evaluation of the perpetual pavement concept and the use of HiMA rich intermediate layers, has been among the most impactful in shaping ODOT practices.
This collaboration has strengthened our confidence in implementing innovative technologies and materials, such as Balanced Mix Design, to deliver longer-lasting pavements for Oklahoma

Research Cycle Highlights

Cycle 1 (2000–2003)
  • 46 newly constructed test sections focused on surface mix variables.
  • 10 million ESALs applied – 2–4x typical interstate traffic in 2 years.
  • Established baseline performance data for future design.
Cycle 2 (2003–2006)
  • Introduced structural testing with 8 sections rebuilt to subgrade.
  • Compared layer thicknesses and modified vs. neat binders.
  • Studied long-term durability with 14 resurfaced and 24 monitored sections.
Cycle 3 (2006–2009)
  • Added 22 new sections (15 mix performance, 7 structural).
  • Legacy sections reached 30 million cumulative ESALs.
  • Introduced NCAT’s first warm mix asphalt (WMA) section.
Cycle 4 (2009–2012)
  • Constructed 25 new sections; tracked legacy sections.
  • Group Experiment introduced high-RAP, WMA, and PFC.
  • Original surfaces reached 40 million ESALs.
Cycle 5 (2012–2015)
  • 46 sections including Green Group (WMA and recycled materials).
  • Evaluated PFCs and cold central plant recycling mixes.
  • Studied extreme aging using first-cycle sections.
Cycle 6 (2015–2018)
  • Cracking Group linked lab tests to field performance.
  • MnROAD collaboration for thermal cracking validation.
  • Added chip seals, microsurfacing, and high-friction surface tests.
Cycle 7 (2018–2021)
  • Focus on BMD, rejuvenators, and joint performance.
  • 18 new sections; 28 continued including 2000 originals.
  • Studied OGFC, stabilized foundations, and reflective crack mitigation.
Cycle 8 (2021–2024)
  • 17 new and 17 existing sections featuring BMD and recycled materials.
  • Additive Group tested fibers, plastics, tire rubber.
  • Track fleet surpassed 11 million miles; off-ramp testing began.
Cycle 9 (2024–2027)
  • Focus on implementation and innovation.
  • Sponsor-driven research priorities.
  • Early performance observations underway.