CHICAGO -- Neither snow nor bitter cold is stopping the workers busy with the renovation and expansion of Wrigley Field's bleachers.

The metal framework is nearly complete for the bleachers, which will have 1,800 additional seats by Opening Day 2006. Turner Construction Co., which is handling the renovation project, is expected to begin pouring concrete for the new seats in early January, weather permitting.

Officials say the project is on schedule and the bleachers will be ready by Opening Day, April 7, when the Cubs play host to the St. Louis Cardinals.

MLB.com was given an exclusive look at the project on Dec. 16. There will still be one entrance to the bleachers at Sheffield and Waveland avenues but more turnstyles, or points of entry, for fans. Improved rest rooms and concession stands will be added on the ground level. There also will be a new lounge in center. Instead of 10 rows of juniper bushes that were the batter's-eye backdrop in center, there will be four rows of bushes extending up from the wall and then the lounge, which will be behind a dark glass panel.

An elevator is being installed in center and there will be wheelchair seating in the bleachers for the first time. The Cubs also are adding a new sound system. There will still be a catwalk that rims the back of the bleacher seating area.

The family section and group section that were in the corners of left and right field are being relocated, and the new sites for both will be announced in January before individual tickets go on sale Feb. 24. The right field corner area will be reserved seating, while the rest of the bleachers will remain general admission.

Visitors who can't get a ticket on game day or who may be in the Wrigleyville area when the Cubs are out of town will be able to peek through a wire mesh fence in the right field corner which will provide a knot-hole view of the ballpark.

Wrigley Field has been the Cubs' home since 1916, and the bleachers and scoreboard were constructed in 1937 when the outfield area was renovated to provide additional seating. It is the second oldest ballpark in the Major Leagues to Boston's Fenway Park.