Demolition is progressing on schedule, with approximately 60% of the building now demolished. We commend the entire Raze crew for their diligence in closely monitoring how the building’s overall structure responds as each section is crushed. Based on the ability to contain debris within the site boundaries — particularly around the previously removed portion near the bridge and the hillside above the Wheeling Heritage Trail — Raze believes demolition will be safer and potentially faster if they begin to “crunch down” the multi-story section of the building along Main Street. As a result, it is important to note that barriers and fencing will extend into the lane nearest the site (by the bridge) on Main Street. At times, flagging personnel may temporarily halt traffic to ensure safe passage for trucks removing debris. Sidewalks around the perimeter of the site will be closed to pedestrians, who are encouraged to use the sidewalks on the opposite side of Main Street. By the end of the week, we hope that only the “middle section” of the original structure will remain. The takedown of this section will be carefully planned to ensure all debris remains contained within the site and clear of the bridge’s suspension cables, which are anchored into 10th Street.
Such a blessing for heart of Wheeling!