Traffic Back to Normal in Front of IHM

According to Belmont police, the roadway in the 1000 block of Alameda de las Pulgas was re-opened to normal traffic at 5:30 p.m today, after construction crews completed the majority of the demolition of the bell tower at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church.

Closures of the southbound lane and center divider, in front of IHM went into effect Friday afternoon, after city building officials determined that the tower
was structurally compromised due to to dry rot and termite damage and posted the church as unsafe to occupy. The two lanes on the northbound side of the street were used for traffic in both directions between Ralston Avenue and Carlmont Drive during the closure.

Construction crews and a crane were brought to the church early Saturday morning and worked throughout the day to remove the tower in sections. By 5:30 p.m., a structural engineer and city building officials determined that a sufficient amount of the tower had been removed, so that it no longer represented a threat.

Although the “red-tag” placed on the church by City Building Officials has been removed, the church will remain closed for the remainder of today while workers complete demolition of the tower.

At this time, it is anticipated that the church will hold services on Sunday as usual.