Dismantling of a massive construction crane at the Salt Lake Temple has marked a significant milestone in the ongoing renovation project that began in August 2021. The 270-foot crane, which operated primarily for 18 hours a day, six days a week, was removed over a three-day period from Monday to Wednesday this week. A time-lapse video showcasing this intricate process was shared on the official Instagram page of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The crane, known as the north tower crane, played a crucial role in the renovation, enabling crews to lift and position large stones, mechanical systems, and other structural components essential to the historical temple’s restoration. To facilitate the dismantling, technicians from Mountain Crane erected a second crane, weighing 800 tons, which assisted in the removal of the north tower crane.
The intricate task of dismantling the north tower crane required two full days and extended work hours, with crews working through the night to ensure timely completion. Once dismantled, parts of the crane were loaded onto semi-trucks for transport away from the site. The 800-ton crane was subsequently taken down on Wednesday, further clearing the area for ongoing work.
According to Steve Quintana, general foreman at Jacobsen Construction, the removal of the cranes is indicative of progress in the renovation project. “When the cranes start to come down, this milestone is typically a sign that the heavy and hard-to-reach material is in place,” he stated. “It frees up area for more work to be completed.”
The north tower crane had the capacity to lift up to 35,000 pounds at its base and 10,000 pounds at its tip. Quintana noted that in his 32 years with Jacobsen, he had never seen a tower crane remain on-site for such an extended period. The south tower crane is expected to exceed that duration, remaining in place until spring 2024.
As the renovation progresses, workers have already begun replacing sections of the temple’s outer wall. This work includes demolishing the old plant bed and stairs, installing new stairways and an accessible ramp, and updating the lighting, irrigation, and plantings around the site. The entire project, which encompasses the adjacent Relief Society Building, is anticipated to be completed by spring 2024.
For further details about the renovation and an upcoming open house celebration, interested individuals can visit TempleSquare.org. The ongoing work not only preserves the historical integrity of the Salt Lake Temple but also enhances accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
