Work is under way, finally, to remove the ruined scaffolding from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the last phase but one before reconstruction of the ancient landmark can begin. The work began Monday, after a two-month pandemic pause.
The scaffolding had been erected for renovation work on the building's spire and roof that was under way when the April 2019 fire destroyed the spire and the roof and left many questions about the monument's survival. Once the scaffolding is removed, engineers will be able to fully assess the stability of the building's soaring vaults and get down to actual repair and restoration.
The removal work is being down by two teams of workers in ropes and harnesses, using saber saws to cut through sections of the damaged piping, much of which melted together in the fire. An estimated 40,000 pieces will be cut and lowered to the ground by a 250-foot tall crane. The work will take all summer to complete.
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