11.03.2009

New York stops WTC cranes

New York City shut down crane operations yesterday at the World Trade Centre site after at least one lifting violation. One of the sites 24 tower cranes was spotted by inspectors lifting another cranes jib over a busy street into Ground Zero without a permit.

The incident occurred as contractor, Tishman Construction, was preparing to erect a large tower crane on Tower 4. Tishman subcontractor –DCM Erectors - used a smaller crane last Thursday to lift the larger crane's jib over Church St. which was “teeming with traffic and pedestrians” at the time.

The lift was carried out without a permit and contrary to approved plans, according to New York’s Buildings Department, which long with the Transportation Department, issued violations to Tishman, DCM Erectors, and the Port Authority, which owns the site.

In a meeting yesterday, the Transportation Department informed Tishman and DCM that work would not resume until the contractor submits a final plan addressing crane safety at the site.