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29-Year-Old Metrodome About To Get New Roof

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The real work of replacing the Metrodome's damaged roof has begun.

The first three diamond-shaped panels are being stretched and clamped into place, a process that takes about a day for each panel.

The inside of the Dome resembled a construction zone on Friday, with beeping machinery and lifts to handle the work. Meltwater from the most recent snowfall dripped through three sections that had been removed to prepare for the new panels.

It was a December snowstorm that caused the Dome roof to fail. Insurance is covering most of the replacement cost, and the work will continue six days a week in an effort to finish by Aug. 1, ahead of the Vikings' season.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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