Engineers Recommend Replacing Metrodome Roof

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Engineers say the Metrodome roof that collapsed in a December snowstorm should be replaced rather than repaired, raising the prospect of a lengthier process that could disrupt Minnesota Vikings preseason games.

The engineers from BirdAir Inc., the roof maker, and other firms made their recommendation Thursday. They wrote in their report that full replacement of the 10-acre roof was the only way to guard against another deflation from defects they might not have found.

The commission that operates the Metrodome was to vote on it later in the day so work can start immediately.

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