TOURISTS WALK THROUGH CONSTRUCTION AREA NEAR THE VATICAN, 1999-03-08 (photo)

TO MATCH STORY MILLENNIUM ROME BY PHILIP PULLELLA - Tourists walk around a construction area near the Vatican which is covered with scaffolding for revamping March 7. Rome is preparing for the invasion of the millennium, when some 30 million visitors are expected to flock to the eternal city for the Roman Catholic Church's Jubilee year. There are some 700 construction sites in Rome fighting a race against the millennium clock to be ready even though officials are worrying openly whether they will be finished on time to host the influx of pilgrims expected during the 54 weeks of official celebrations. VP