**** HRFE Media Release / Transportation Media Release
HRFE amends evacuation order for select properties near collapsed construction crane
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) Chief Ken Stuebing has amended the evacuation order, permitting residents to re-occupy two buildings near the collapsed construction crane:
- 5690 Spring Garden Road
- 1491 South Park Street
These civic addresses include the Eastlink building at the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street, as well as the attached apartment building. Sidewalk fencing will be moved to allow pedestrian access to 1491 South Park Street. All other street and sidewalk closures remain in effect.
All other areas which have been previously evacuated are still prohibited from entry or re-occupation.
The decision to allow re-occupation of two buildings today has been made in consultation with professional engineers working on the crane removal project. Further amendments to the evacuation orders will be made as soon as it is safe to do so.
The municipality and HRFE cannot estimate when re-occupation of other evacuated areas might be allowed. HRFE will remain in close contact with the project team and will allow residents to return to their properties as soon as possible.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL–Sections of fallen crane removed
Several sections of the crane that collapsed over a building in Halifax during last month’s hurricane were removed today, Oct. 14. The front jib, the counterweight jib and the top portion of the front boom were taken off the Olympus building. The catwalk was also cut and removed from the boom on Sunday.
As a safety measure, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency were on site hosing down the Olympus building to make sure sparks from the welding didn’t cause a fire.
As a result of the work completed this weekend, the evacuation order has been lifted for two buildings: 5690 Spring Garden Rd. and 1491 South Park St. Residents can reoccupy these buildings immediately. All other evacuation orders remain in place at this time.
“This is challenging work and safety continues to guide every decision we make,” said Lloyd Hines, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “I want to thank the crews who worked through the weekend to remove the first sections of the crane. This is complex work and each detail of the removal is carefully planned with safety in the forefront.”
Over the next several days, the heavy-lift cranes will be repositioned to prepare for cutting up and removing the main tower. Supports will be put in place around the fallen crane’s tower and necessary preparation work will be completed to ensure the safety of the workers and others in the area. The removal of the tower is scheduled to begin Saturday, Oct. 19, weather permitting.
Crews are working carefully to keep the crane stabilized and protect themselves, the public and surrounding infrastructure from falling debris.
Further information will be provided as soon as available.
QUICK FACTS
–the crane collapsed during Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7 on a building on South Park Street in Halifax
–government declared a localized state of emergency at the site where the crane rests on Sept. 18. It was extended for another 14 days on Oct. 2
–the localized emergency area is defined as the city block within the boundaries of South Park Street, and bordered by Brenton Street, Brenton Place and Spring Garden Road
–Halifax Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for the evacuation order affecting residential and business tenants
–the crane is secured in place by 26 anchor points using cable, chains and structural stee
(Photo via Transportation)
(Photo via Transportation)
