The City of Jacksonville is warning residents in the 'exclusion zone' of Jan. 20's implosion of the old City Hall annex building to shelter in place. The implosion of the old City Hall annex building at 220 E. Bay Street is scheduled for January 20.
Residents and business personnel required to be in the exclusion zone (see below) during the implosion are directed to stay indoors and shelter in place, the City says. They add that add that all doors, windows and entryways are to be kept closed and exhaust fans turned off.
The City says beginning at 7 a.m. and up to three hours following the implosion, access in and around downtown areas like Main, Liberty, and Adams streets will be restricted to citizens, vehicles and boats.
The City also released a list of frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the plans for the old City Hall?
The implosion of the old City Hall, located at 220 E. Bay Street, is currently scheduled for January 20th at 8 a.m. The City of Jacksonville Public Works’ team is continuing to work closely with construction personnel and contractors to ensure demolition readiness and implosion efforts promote and support safe conditions and the environment.
Will I be able to get in and out of the area?
Public access to and around the demolition area is restricted. This area, shown on the map, is considered an Exclusion Zone. Residents and business personnel required to be in the area during the time of implosion are instructed to stay indoors and shelter in place for the duration of the implosion. Please note that Adams Street and the southbound lanes of Main Street will remain open. The northbound lanes of the Main Street Bridge will be closed.
How long is this expected to last?
The duration includes both pre- and post-demolition work and is scheduled to occur from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Roads will be closed to vehicle, boat and foot traffic during this time. However, areas will reopen and access restored by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as clean-up efforts are completed.
Will I know when the implosion has started?
A horn siren will be used to announce when the demolition is commencing and has concluded. At 7:58 a.m., a series of sirens will blare, announcing a two-minute warning for the implosion. Once the demolition is finished, a siren will sound, notifying successful completion. This is not a signal for citizens to come from sheltering in place.
Can I come out when the blast is over?
The demolition is expected to last no more than five minutes. However, the falling debris is expected to produce a dust cloud that, with wind, can travel outside of the immediate area and last much longer. It is critical for all to remain indoors and shelter in place until access notification is provided via JSO.
Am I in danger if I come out prior to notification?
Months of comprehensive work has been conducted to ready the building for implosion, including the remediation and removal of hazardous interior materials. However, to minimize health risks and threats to persons–especially those with breathing and/or respiratory conditions--everyone is advised to remain indoors and shelter in place until notification is provided. In addition, noise and sound pressure levels at and near the site during the blast may pose a threat to hearing, reaffirming the critical need to shelter in place.
Are there other restrictions in the city?
River and air traffic are also restricted. A section of the river is restricted and is being managed by JSO Marine Unit and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Air traffic, including drones, is restricted to half a mile radius above the demolition site (2,500 feet).
Will the implosion happen rain or shine?
Weather conditions such as thunderstorms and low cloud coverage can affect the scheduled demolition. If either occurs, the demolition will commence when conditions warrant (as close to the 8 a.m. hour.)
Why is the implosion occurring on a Sunday?
The contractor, who is an experienced and internationally-recognized controlled demolition provider, advises that Sunday is the least disruptive day for an implosion, where high traffic volumes, increased downtown activities, business openings, and merchant transactions are minimal.