Over half of the 4,000 reinforced concrete columns that will form part of the foundations for the Olympic Stadium have been installed.

Known as piles, the columns are cast in holes up to 25 metres deep to reinforce the area on which the Stadium will sit. Over 2,100 columns have been completed and the project remains ahead of schedule.

Three large tower cranes, ranging between 48 and 60 metres high, have also been erected on site making them the largest visible landmark on the Olympic Park. Five more will be installed ahead of the concrete and steel work starting next week.


ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: "Impressive progress is being made on the Olympic Stadium thanks to the hard work of Team Stadium - the design and construction teams on site. Over the coming months, people will be able to see this innovative and sustainable Stadium begin to rise out of the ground.

"This project has had a fast start out of the blocks, but we are never complacent about the hard work and many challenges that lie ahead of us."

(CD/JM)