No Timetable For Metrodome Roof Repair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- The Metrodome roof repair job may be bigger than first anticipated.

Four panels were damaged when the inflatable roof collapsed under the weight of a 17-inch snowfall earlier this month.

Engineers used a shotgun Monday to blow out a fifth panel that was under stress from a load of ice.

An unknown number of other panels are at risk of failing, but officials say they do not anticipate having to shoot out any more.

There is still no word on the extent of damage to the roof, when it will be repaired or how much it will cost to repair. Right now, the focus is on safety.

"No one was killed, no one was injured and we will do everything to insure that it stays that way," said Bill Lester, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

Lester said there are several additional panels that have been distressed and are at risk for needing repair.

They have been heating the inside of the Dome and melting the snow and ice on the roof. He said they will have a safe working environment by the end of the day.

On Tuesday, they invited OSHA in to examine the cleanup.

"A ton of it has melted and drained onto the floor, but there still remains pockets of ice on some areas," added Lester.

Lester said they are working to get the Dome fixed and prepared for the other events scheduled at the Dome in January.  If they don't think work will be done in time they will look at rescheduling or relocating the events.

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