Infrastructure Ministry undertakes Athens’ Olympic Stadium heavy maintenance and upgade works

With a decision, that is regarded as “surprising” the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport undertook the implementation of all necessary projects and studies concerning the maintenance of OAKA (Athens Olympic Complex).

With a correspondence which started last November between Infrastructure and Transport and Culture during which the assistance of the former was requested for the required restoration and maintenance works of the existing infrastructure in the Olympic Complex, including the stadium with its well-known “Calatrava” canopy, its stands as well as other facilities such as the Cycling Track and other metallic structures.

The Department of Building Infrastructure of the Ministry will be the implementing body while, for its part, the Ministry of Culture will secure the project’s funding (mainly through the Public Investments Program) and provide all necessary data for the execution of the projects. It is noted that the operation, management and maintenance of OAKA’s facilities remain in the jurisdiction of the Culture Ministry.

The launch of the process is not accidental and is obviously is associated with the oscillation that was observed last November, raising concerns. Even though Culture Ministry was reassuring at the time, NTUA Professor, Mr. Panayiotis Karidis had pointed out that the stadium should be checked in detail for possible structural problems. Following the concerns, OAKA administration asked from the Ministry’s General Secretary to carry out relevant studies. It is noteworthy that it is rather unknown if there are any studies available since 2004 (!!).

The developments are expected with great interest, and will determine whether it is a serious problem or just a normal wear of the materials. However, it is important that, for the first time, there will be an extensive check of the “Calatrava” canopy, the very emblem of Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com