Escalator from upper deck. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Bengals fans sitting in the upper suite levels of Paul Brown Stadium in bad weather won't have use of the two escalators, intended to shorten their walk from the plaza to their seats.

        The escalators will have to be shut down in times of snow and ice because of safety concerns.

        The problem is just one item that still needs to be resolved before Hamilton County gets approval to open the $451 million stadium for the 2001 season.

        The stadium operated under a temporary “certificate of occupancy” last year but must obtain a permanent certificate this year.

        It will be at least another month before construction workers are done putting the finishing touches on the facility — four months later than county officials had thought.

        The $51 million handed over by taxpayers to cover overruns should be enough to pay for the work, said Hamilton County Public Works Director Gary VanHart.

        The escalators were designed to have a roof — or a canopy — built over them so they could operate in bad weather. The canopies were removed from the design to save money.

        But the city won't issue a permanent certificate of occupancy until a locking gate system is installed that will keep fans off the escalators when they are not moving.

        “We think the money is there,” Mr. VanHart said. “We don't have a final solu tion to all of the issues, so I can't tell you positive. But we're pretty sure all the work will be covered.”

        The major issue still in need of a fix is venting in some of the concession stands. Exhaust grills at the front of some stands, coupled with winds in the south end zone, are not allowing proper dissipation of exhaust. That means carbon monoxide levels in the Level 3 concourse build up.

        Those concession stands were not used last year.

        Bill Langevin, the city's director of buildings and inspections, said the stadium is safe. He said the exhaust system is being redesigned.

        Mr. Langevin thinks the certificate of occupancy will be granted late this summer.

        Suzanne Burke, the county's budget director, said she thought the work would be wrapped up a long time ago.

        “It is frustrating,” she said. “But I think they're well aware of the issues ... and I believe everyone is committed to getting them resolved so it doesn't create a problem for the upcoming football season.”

Stadium problems unresolved

Cardinals 4, Reds 3
Reds send Reith to Louisville
Cards get lift from No. 8 hitter
Nichting looks like 'prospect' at 35
Boone still hampered by hand
Extra lineup cards needed
Box, runs
XU's West finalist for U.S. team
Tiger cruises to Memorial three-peat
Tiger sets sights on U.S. Open
DAUGHERTY: You have to feel for Azinger
Memorial Golf Notebook
IHL demise expected today
CCD wins state baseball title
Symbols of A.J. Cohen inspired dad, brother
Hamilton throws away softball title
Ohio boys track highlights
Ohio boys track results
Ohio girls track highlights
Ohio girls track results
Dixie wins Ninth Region baseball
Kentucky boys track highlights
Kentucky boys track results
Kentucky girls track highlights
Kentucky girls track results
Kentucky tennis highlights
Kentucky tennis results

• Return to Bengals front page...