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Montreal's olympic stadium undergoing $870m transformation

The work, involving both the roof and the stadium tower, is intricate but has been meticulously planned.

Kkritika Suri profile image
by Kkritika Suri
Montreal's olympic stadium undergoing $870m transformation

Project engineer Nadir Guenfoud reports that 20% of the roof replacement work at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium has been completed. Once a site for sports events, the stadium now hosts eight towering cranes, with the largest extending beyond the stands and ring that supported the previous roof. Steel cables from the old structure still hang in some areas, but their removal is set to conclude by the end of the year. At that point, the remaining parts of the roof, installed in 1998 as the stadium’s second iteration, will be fully dismantled.

The project, which involves both the roof and the stadium’s iconic tower, is complex but carefully planned. "This initiative has been in development for years, with decisions made to ensure the new roof's reliability," Guenfoud explained. The replacement features a rigid, more durable cover. The process of gradually relaxing the steel cables suspended from the tower is particularly delicate; any misstep could cause the cables to strike the structure. To mitigate risks, a tension-monitoring device was installed to guide the safe disconnection of each cable.

Progress and Budget

Guenfoud characterized the work as dismantling rather than demolition. Thus far, 22 kilometers of steel cables, weighing a total of 1,332 tons, have been removed. Over 300 workers are involved in the project, with about 100 on-site daily. The replacement of the deteriorating roof—long plagued by delays and cost overruns—remains on track and within the allocated budget of $870 million. “We know we cannot afford a third failure,” Guenfoud emphasized.

Future Phases

In 2025, the project will move into its next phase, which involves dismantling the concrete technical ring surrounding the stadium’s opening. This ring houses ventilation systems, including heating, air conditioning, and lighting. It will be replaced by a steel structure that is six times lighter and adheres to modern building codes.

The final phase, scheduled for 2026, will involve assembling the new roof on the ground before lifting it into place. The stadium is expected to reopen in 2028.

Additional Upgrades

The provincial government has allocated an extra $91.6 million to enhance the stadium’s sound, lighting, and ventilation systems. This decision follows years of advocacy from the provincial agency managing the stadium, culminating in the approval of the roof replacement last year after over two decades of requests.

The Olympic Stadium, a symbol of Montreal’s architectural history, is set to enter a new chapter with its modernized design and improved functionality, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Kkritika Suri profile image
by Kkritika Suri

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