Exactly 18 months – this is how long repair works are thought to take and how long before Rio Olympics they’re scheduled to end. Popular Engenhão is to be reopened in 2015, as its roof structure was found to be in danger of collapsing.

Yesterday saw an official press conference regarding the roof of Estádio João Havelange. The stadium remains closed for the public since late March, when cracks were found in steel trusses supporting the roof.

Analysis of the situation was carried out by Pontifícia Universidade Católica, which found that the design has flaws leading to ongoing deterioration of the roof due to strong winds. PUC experts found twisted or broken elements and should the situation go on without repairs, the roof might eventually collapse onto the stands.

This is why the remaining 6 months of 2013 and entire 2014 will be devoted to repairs, making the stadium not available for any events involving the public. Reopening should take place in early 2015, exactly 18 months before Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympics.

It’s not clear at this point whether the repairs will go on along stands expansion to 60,000 seats (addition of second tier behind goals) or the expansion will follow afterwards.