Work to begin on removal of Halifax construction crane felled by Dorian

HALIFAX – Work was expected to begin Sunday that would allow the removal of the mangled remains of a construction crane that collapsed in downtown Halifax during post-tropical storm Dorian.

The province said in a news release that final inspections are to be carried out before the crane is stabilized.

The structure will be strapped down and anchored before the tower is dismantled piece by piece.

The twisted remains of a building crane hang off a construction project in Halifax on Sept. 8, 2019. Hurricane Dorian brought wind, rain and heavy seas to Nova Scotia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

The crane collapsed Sept. 7 on a building on South Park Street, prompting an evacuation order for tenants and some businesses in the surrounding area by Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency two days later.

The removal work was supposed to have begun two weeks ago, but was held up over questions about the liability for those involved in the operation.

The provincial government stepped in Sept. 18, declaring a localized state of emergency that moved liability to the province and enabled the work to go ahead.

It’s still unclear how long it will take to remove the crane or who will ultimately pay for the complex process.

“With the complexity of the project, estimated timelines and approach will likely be revised as work begins,” the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal said in a news release.

The department said further updates would be provided early this week.