Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse University is moving ahead with replacement of the famed air-supported roof on the Carrier Dome, saying the project is exempt from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s order halting all but essential construction in the state.

University spokesperson Sarah Scalese said a professional engineer engaged by the project’s general contractor determined it would be unsafe to stop work on the partially completed steel structure that will support the new roof.

SU deflated the Dome’s air-supported fabric roof on March 16 in preparation for replacing it with a cable truss roof held up by a steel structure.

But after Cuomo issued his order on Friday, questions arose about whether the project could be done in time for the first scheduled game under the new roof, a football contest against Colgate on Sept. 18.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon even went to bat for the university, making a call to state officials urging them to allow the project to go forward. McMahon said the new roof’s partially built steel structure is not yet secure.

“We’re not going to stop construction and have 50 mph winds present another public health challenge,” he said.

Cuomo ordered that only construction deemed essential could continue while the state fights to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the respiratory illness it causes. Previously, construction projects of any sort were exempted from Cuomo’s coronavirus-related shutdown orders.

SU is using an exception in Cuomo’s latest order to continue construction. Under guidelines his office issued in conjunction with the order, “emergency” construction can continue. It describes “emergency” construction to include the completion of a building that would be “unsafe” to leave in an unfinished condition. It is that provision that SU is using to continue building.

The roof replacement is part of $118 million in improvements for the 49,250-seat stadium, which serves as the home of the university’s football and basketball teams, and hosts concerts and other events. The Dome opened in 1980 and is the largest domed stadium on any college campus.

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Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148