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Time running out for Athens' roof


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Olympics
Athens (Greece)

ATHENS, Greece -- Athens Olympic organizers have just one day left to begin work on a spectacular dome that is intended to be the architectural centerpiece of this summer's Games.

The International Olympic Committee says the sliding into place of two huge arches to support the roof must take place by Wednesday, otherwise the work cannot be completed in time for the opening ceremony on August 13.

The arches are intended to support an 18,000 tonne steel roof -- an engineering challenge that many architects fear borders on the impossible.

More than 250 workers will be involved, using some of the most advanced engineering equipment in the world.

Organizers again postponed the sliding on Monday, and hopes that the project will meet its scheduled completion target at the end of June look increasingly misguided.

"There are still details that need to be sorted out in preparing for the sliding and we also have to take into account the weather because, if it is windy, then that could cause problems," a government official told Reuters on Monday.

"It's still not decided exactly when the sliding will start."

But a contractor, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the arches were more likely to be moved next week.

"The project is within the timetables and everything will be ready as planned," he said.

"We have already saved time by doing other work on the ground that has not shown, so we are not at all concerned."

The project is the latest to cause concern as the Greek capital races to finish work on dozens of Olympic venues.

If completed the steel dome, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, will provide a spectacular backdrop for broadcasters and a new landmark -- almost as big as the Sydney Harbour Bridge -- for the city.

But the $177 million dome also has more practical uses. It will carry 1,000 tonnes of telecommunications and security equipment while carbon panels will reduce soaring summer temperatures inside the stadium.


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