After persistent rain throughout the spring and summer had forced the postponement of five helicopter flyovers, AOC photographers finally got the opportunity to fly in August 2003. By this time, the project footprint was clearly defined, the perimeter wall was complete, and excavation was more than 60% complete. Over 300,000 cubic yards of material (more than 30,000 truckloads) had been removed from the site. Excavation for the Congressional Auditorium (foreground center) was under way, and crews had completed initial structural support work for the truck tunnel on the north side of the Capitol (top right). The empty parking lots on both sides of the Capitol are a clear indication that Members were still on recess.