Former Weirton Steel basic oxygen plant to be demolished with explosives
WEIRTON – For decades, the basic oxygen plant used by the former Weirton Steel Corp. has been among the most recognizable components of the city’s skyline.
On Saturday, it is set to disappear forever.
According to a notice from the city of Weirton, crews working with the Frontier Group of Cos., which now owns the BOP site and other former steelmaking property in the community, will be on hand to complete the structure’s demolition.
The demolition is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., although officials note the schedule is subject to change.
Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, who has been among city officials meeting with Frontier representatives, explained that, unlike with previous demolition efforts, this event will not be using mechanical methods.
“They are going to be using explosives,” Connell said during a council informational workshop earlier this month.
As a matter of safety, the Weirton police and fire departments will enforce a 1,000-feet exclusion zone during the demolition, with the general public required to remain outside of the zone.
For those living within the exclusion zone, officials ask residents to either leave their homes during the demolition or stay inside their homes. This includes those living along Weir Avenue between Pennsylvania Avenue and Watson Street, and any side streets.
Those who remain home during the demolition will need to remain indoors until the demolition is complete, and stay away from the side of their home facing the BOP.
Residents are advised not to watch the demolition through their windows.
Those wishing to watch the demolition are asked to do so outside of the 1,000-feet exclusion zone.
In addition, those living within the exclusion zone will be offered complimentary breakfast at either Bob Evans or Eat ‘N Park in Weirton during the demolition time frame. The breakfasts are being provided by the company performing the demolition.
All traffic – vehicle and pedestrian – will be restricted and enforced by the police and fire departments, with traffic around the structure on W.Va. 2, Pennsylvania Avenue and Weir Avenue prohibited beginning at 7 a.m.
The demolition team will be using an air horn to sound three stages of notifications prior to the demolition, including a single, five-second horn 15 minutes prior, two five-second horns five minutes prior and three five-second horns one minute prior.