Dom Tower in Utrecht deteriorating faster than thought

The Dom Tower in Utrecht is deteriorating faster than thought and it is starting to crumble, according to a letter from alderman Paul Jansen. The city is installing nets in the lantern - the open part of the tower - to prevent visitors and other pedestrians getting hit on the head, NOS reports.

The tower was inspected in October. The inspection revealed that the south and west sides of the tower in particular are worse off than expected. The Dom is not at the point of collapse, but intervention is needed. Nets will now be placed in the tower at a height of 70 and 90 meters.

Next year the city wants to place scaffolding around the tower for a restoration study. According to the municipality, the tower needs daily maintenance and major repairs every 40 to 50 years. The major repairs will be planned based on the results of te restoration study and wil probably start in 2018.