Crane To Remove Damaged Scaffolding From BGE Building

Baltimore MD

24 December, 2020

7:28 PM

Description

BALTIMORE, MD — This weekend a crane will remove damaged scaffolding from BGE's high-rise office building in Baltimore, according to the utility company. Areas around the building will be cordoned off until the equipment is removed Sunday afternoon. Contractors were working on the HVAC system when window-washing scaffolding equipment was compromised Wednesday, trapping 23 people in the area of 2 Center Plaza in Baltimore. Emergency personnel were first called to the high-rise building before 9 a.m. Wednesday. Crews rescued 23 people, including two who declined to be taken to the hospital, the Baltimore City Fire Department reported. Photo by Elizabeth Janney/Patch. Nine construction contractors remained hospitalized Thursday for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a statement from BGE, which reported 12 workers were released from the hospital Wednesday. No BGE employees were injured, and the building was mainly empty because of the holiday week and telework during the coronavirus pandemic. Natural gas was not active during the construction work, according to BGE. Two damaged window maintenance platforms were secured to the east-facing side of the building for safety, and the area around the high-rise was cordoned off as crews secured the roof and covered windows to prevent weather damage. Baltimore was under a wind advisory and flash flood watch from Christmas Eve until Friday morning, with 1 to 3 inches of rain anticipated before Christmas. Photo by Elizabeth Janney/Patch. Police officers were posted Thursday around North Charles at Fayette street, which was closed to traffic. Fayette Street will remain closed through the weekend for safety, as a specialized high-rise crane arrives Saturday morning to remove the scaffolding. The crane work is slated to start at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, and conclude by early afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 27. Here is the crane schedule: Saturday, Dec. 26 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Crane will arrive at 2 Center Plaza and be set up.1 to 4 p.m.: Scaffolding will be lifted from the building and set down in the plaza area, where it will be deconstructed by a scaffolding company.4 p.m.: Work will wrap up for the day. Sunday, Dec. 27 7 a.m.: The crane will be taken apart. 1 p.m.: The crane will leave. "We understand that this incident continues to be a disruption and appreciate the patience of the neighboring residents, businesses, motorists and passersby as we do this work as quickly and safely as possible," BGE said in a statement. According to the Baltimore City Fire Department, the cause of the incident remains under investigation. Related: Baltimore High-Rise Explosion: 21 Hospitalized, Officials Say Photo by Elizabeth Janney/Patch.