Workers remove top section of collapsed crane as Halifax allows some evacuees to return home

Workers have successfully removed the section of the main tower of a collapsed crane in Halifax, N.S., with officials estimating that it will take another eight working days to remove the rest of the crane.

Nova Scotia’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and Renewal (TIR) says that removing the top section on Tuesday was a “milestone in the project” to demolish the construction crane that was brought down in Halifax’s downtown core during hurricane Dorian.

“This has been a difficult time for everyone impacted by this incident. We appreciate the patience that has been shown by everyone involved,” said Lloyd Hines, the TIR minister.

“Progress continues on getting the rest of the crane down and down safely.”

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READ MORE: N.S. government renews localized state of emergency for removal of downed Halifax crane

The news comes after a morning announcement that more residents were able to return home after they were evacuated when hurricane Dorian brought down the construction crane in downtown Halifax more than a month ago.

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Chief Ken Stuebing announced on Wednesday that he has amended an evacuation order to allow residents of the Trillium Condominium at 1445 South Park St. to reoccupy their homes.

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“The decision to allow reoccupation of 1445 South Park St. has been made in consultation with professional engineers working on the crane removal project,” the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) said.

Buildings at 1459 South Park St., 1463 South Park St. and 1477 South Park St. remain under an evacuation order.

1:45 Crews make big gains on crane removal in Halifax

Work will continue to remove the crane that came down on Sept. 7, with TIR officials saying that the estimate of eight working days is contingent on good weather and that there are no unexpected incidents at the site.

Workers will begin cleaning up the site as multiple heavy cranes re-position to continue to remove pieces of the crane.

The localized state of emergency that was first established to support the removal of the toppled crane remains active until Oct. 30, unless the government terminates or extends it.

The emergency area is defined as the city block within the boundaries of Cathedral Lane, Brenton Street, Brenton Place and Spring Garden Road.

Sidewalk fencing will be moved to allow pedestrian access to the building, but sidewalk and street closures in the area of the collapsed crane are still active.

The HRM said amendments to the evacuation order will be made as soon as it is safe to do so.