A significant milestone in the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple was reached this week as crews successfully dismantled a large construction crane that had been operational since August 2021. The 270-foot crane played a vital role in the extensive restoration efforts, working approximately 18 hours a day, six days a week for four years.
The dismantling process took place from Monday to Wednesday and was documented in a time-lapse video shared on the Instagram page of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This crane, known as the north tower crane, was instrumental in lifting heavy materials, including large stones and mechanical systems, essential for the renovation of the historic temple.
On Monday, crews from Mountain Crane erected a second crane weighing 800 tons to assist with the removal of the north tower crane. The team worked tirelessly over two days, often through the night, to ensure the safe dismantling and transportation of the crane components onto semi-trucks. By Wednesday, the 800-ton crane was also taken down, marking another achievement in the project.
Steve Quintana, general foreman for Jacobsen Construction, highlighted the significance of this development. “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 a lifting capacity of up to 35,000 pounds at its base and 10,000 pounds at its tip, showcasing its crucial role in the renovation process.
Quintana noted that in his 32 years with Jacobsen, he had never encountered a tower crane that operated for such an extended period. The south tower crane is expected to surpass this duration, having already been in place longer than its predecessor and remaining on site until spring 2024.
Renovation efforts on the temple are well underway, with workers beginning to replace sections of the historic outer wall. This phase includes demolishing the old plant bed and stairs, installing new stairs and an accessible ramp, and updating lighting, irrigation, and landscaping. The project for the Relief Society Building is anticipated to be completed by spring.
For those interested in the ongoing renovation efforts and upcoming open house celebrations, additional details can be found at TempleSquare.org.