In order to complete Athens’ main Olympic stadium by May, construction crews are working non-stop to overcome construction delays.
Spyros Kapralos, executive director of the Athens 2004 organizing committee said, “this is the most important sports complex – we are confident the timetable will be kept. There is no major concern”.
The Associated Press reports that rotating crews are working 16 hours a day at the site assembling the roof, which has been likened to a giant three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. White steel tubes are being welded and bolted together – similar to an enormous tent frame – to make the parallel arcs.
Nikolaos Louridas, a senior consultant for the project, said he is confident the work schedule is going according to plan and that the roof would keep the fans cools.
Organizers also said construction of the Olympic Village was three months ahead of schedule and should be completed by February.
Meanwhile, construction of security command hubs is underway and forces are being trained on the sophisticated equipment that will link personnel guarding the Games. The command centres are on schedule and will be scattered around the city. They are a linchpin of the record $600 million security network for the Games, said the Associated Press.