Traffic Advisory: 2 Lanes of Alameda Closed Near IHM

Update: Friday 5:20 p.m.

Belmont police report that the contractor is planning to bring in the crane on Saturday morning and start demolition 9:30 a.m.They believe the work can be done in one day.

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Original story: Friday 5:10 p.m.

The Belmont Police Department has closed off a portion in the 1000 block of Alameda de Las Pulgas in front of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the weekend due to emergency structural repairs at the church.  

According Capt. Pat Halleran, southbound lane and center divider of the Alameda will be closed Friday afternoon. The two lanes on the northbound side of the street will be used for traffic in both directions between Ralston Avenue and Carmon Dr.  The sidewalk on the west side of the road, in front of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church will also be closed.   

On Thursday, the city was notified of a possible structural problem with the 65-foot bell tower in front of the church.  The bell is situated in relative close proximity to the Alameda de Las Pulgas.  

After consultation with a structural engineer representing the Archdiocese of San Francisco on Friday, City of Belmont building officials determined that the tower is structurally compromised due to dry rot and termite damage and posted the church as unsafe to occupy. 

Halleran says these measures were necessary as both the church and the right-of-way would be in significant jeopardy in the event of an earthquake.   Construction crews are already mobilizing and a crane will be brought in to remove the tower in sections.  

When the structural engineer determines that a sufficient amount of the tower is removed, so that it no longer represents a threat, building officials will remove the restriction on the church and the traffic controls will be lifted.  Halleran says may occur as early as Saturday evening.  

Police say motorists and residents in the area should expect traffic delays in the area during the lane/sidewalk closures and should take alternate routes when possible.