The construction of the Olympic Stadium's roof has begun this week, as the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) publishes an update on progress made against its milestones.

The first 30m-long steel section of the roof compression truss has been lifted into place, taking the height of the Stadium to almost 37m above podium level.

A 1,350-tonne super lift crane has been assembled in what will be the field of play to lift each 85 tonne, 15m-high section and hold it in place while it is bolted to the top of the 27m-high roof support columns.

The remaining 27 sections of the roof truss will be lifted into place over the next nine months with the aim of completion by October this year.


The ODA also released an online document today, updating against the ten milestones published last June. The 'big build: foundations update' document shows that good progress is being made on the milestones which aim to be achieved by July this year. This includes a commitment to complete the Aquatic Centre foundations, construction of seven bridges and work begun on the IBC/MPC and Velodrome foundations.

ODA Chair John Armitt said: "The construction of the roof starts to give a real indication of the height of the structure and people can start to see for themselves how the Olympic Stadium will look during the Games.

"This is a very complex engineering and construction project and we will still face challenges over the next year but we have made a very strong start on the construction of this flagship venue."

The steel terracing supports which will hold the upper tiers of seating are nearing completion on the South and West stands and work will now begin on the North and East stands.

There are currently over 500 workers on the Olympic Stadium site. This will increase to around 700 as the internal fit-out work starts and trades are required such as electricians, brick-layers and plumbers.

(CD/JM)