Daimler Trucks plans big expansion of Madras test track

Less than 18 months after completing its $18.7 million truck test track at the Madras Airport, Daimler Trucks North America has taken the wraps off major expansion plans for the facility.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the city of Madras on Thursday made available a draft environmental assessment for the proposed expansion of the High Desert Proving Grounds.

The key feature is construction of a three-mile loop track to replace the existing track, which uses an abandoned airport runway and taxiway.

“This will allow test vehicles to sustain highway speeds and to test braking and handling,” the announcement stated.

Daimler also plans to build other tracks inside the loop, to test Advanced Driver Assist Systems.

DTNA currently leases 174 acres of the airport. The proposal would vacate 17 acres of the current lease and adding about 113 acres, making the total lease for about 274 acres.

The draft environmental assessment is available for public review for the next 30 days at Madras City Hall.