Paris rushing to finish 2024 Olympics construction work

PARIS (AP) — Paris is rushing to finish construction work in time for the 2024 Olympics with just 18 months to go.

Delays are being experienced in part because of the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the steel industry.

A venue, which was due to be finished this summer, won't be completed until the beginning of next year — only a few months before the Paris Games get underway on July 26, 2024.

The arena at Porte de la Chapelle, a multicultural and working class neighborhood of the French capital, will host badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events. The facilities will also be used at the Paralympics before being handed over to local clubs and schools.

The steel that was going to be used for the arena was initially going to be provided by Ukraine, said Christophe Rosa, the deputy general delegate of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic delegation at Paris City Hall.

Ukraine’s steel producers union said this month that output fell by more than 70% last year because of Russia’s invasion and the destruction of major plants.

“We’ve found solutions to source steel from other places in Europe including in the east, in Poland, but also a number of manufacturing plants in Southern Europe in order to contain delays and aim to finish the works in 2023,” Rosa said on Monday.

The construction work, which costs about 138 million euros ($150 million), requires 1,500 tons of steel.

The place will be called Adidas Arena after a deal reported to be worth around 2.8 million euros ($3 million) per year with the sportswear company was approved by city hall last year.

The arena itself will seat up to 8,000 people for sports events and live performances, and it will become the future home of Paris Basketball club.

Two gymnasiums next to the venue will provide sport facilities that are much...