Bernie Moore Stadium is a barren construction site for now, but a new track will emerge in time for the 2011 track and field season.Construction began July 1 to install a track with a new surface and renovated drainage and electrical systems. Track and field head coach Dennis Shaver said he’s pleased.  “We’re really excited about the fact that the track itself is basically being rebuilt from the ground up,” Shaver said.The old surface, which had not been renovated in more than 10 years, was in desperate need of repair, Shaver said. The subsurface below the track had started to decay, and air bubbles were beginning to form. “It’s basically lived its life span,” said Eddie Nunez, associate athletic director for internal affairs.A bond covered the $4.2 million price tag, Nunez said. The bond also provided funds for a new gift shop and basketball practice facility. Profits from the gift shop and ticket sales will pay back the bond. “The track doesn’t necessarily pay for itself,” Nunez said. “But other things paid for with the bond can give back to another sport, maximizing opportunities.”D. Honore Construction, Inc. crews completed demolition of the surface and subsurface in early August, said project manager Dave Rhiner.Crews will now reconstruct the subsurface and lay down the new surface. Rhiner said he expects to finish the project by the end of January as crews have not experienced any significant setbacks that would push the deadline back. He did acknowledge that the recent rain has created minor problems for the project.”That’s the nature of the beast in construction,” Rhiner said. “There’s not a whole lot you can do about it. I think we’re all aware of it, and everybody’s looking forward to a good, strong finish.”The track team will practice in the Carl Maddox Field House when training resumes in November.”It might just be a little inconvenience,” Shaver said. “It’s not necessarily going to have any real negative effect on our ability to prepare our team for the indoor and outdoor season in 2011.”Once the project is completed, Shaver expects the track to be of the highest quality.”It will be the very best competition and training facility there is,” he said.-Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]