The first of the two massive roof trusses which will span the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow has been lifted into position by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine.
The operation follows the installation of the first of two similar trusses for the National Indoor Sports Arena (NISA), which will link to the velodrome via a four-storey ‘hub’ building.
To provide the large column-free spaces required, the 300-tonne trusses each span 93 metres.
The structures were constructed on the ground in two sections before being connected in the air and lifted into place by two 400-tonne cranes.
Together, the arena and velodrome will form one of the key venues for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, hosting the badminton and cycling events.
The indoor arena will have 5,000 spectator seats for sporting competitions, while the velodrome can accomodate a further 2,000 seated and 500 standing spectators.
Sir Robert McAlpine is building both the NISA and Velodrome at a cost of £94m, in the East End of Glasgow.
The projects are expected to be completed in early 2012.
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