Construction
Construction Crews Build 300-Foot Crane for New Smith County Courthouse
2024-12-17
KLTV brings you the fascinating story of the construction of the new Smith County Courthouse. Crews are hard at work, using a unique approach by building an even larger crane that will almost match the height of the square's Plaza Tower. In November, they started constructing the base of this large crane, with the intention of it becoming a part of the courthouse once the current crane is no longer needed. Once completed, this crane will stand at an astonishing nearly 300 feet tall, just slightly shorter than the Plaza Tower but taller than the People's Petroleum Building. Meanwhile, the crane used for building the UT Tyler School of Medicine Medical Education measures about 160 feet tall. Alongside this, other construction efforts are in full swing, such as the building of water wells to assist in draining the water from the construction site, which is located on top of what used to be a spring. KLTV's Blake Holland managed to capture some amazing footage of the crane's construction from the top of the Smith County parking garage. This is truly a remarkable project that showcases the ingenuity and hard work of the construction crews. It's not every day that you see a crane being built to build another crane! The new courthouse is set to become a landmark in the area, and this giant crane is a key part of its construction. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.

Witness the Birth of a Monumental Construction - The Smith County Courthouse Crane

Construction Beginnings

In November, the construction crew embarked on a remarkable journey by starting the base construction of the large crane. This was a crucial step as it laid the foundation for the towering structure that will soon grace the Smith County skyline. The design was carefully planned to ensure that once the current crane is no longer needed, this new crane will seamlessly become a part of the courthouse, adding to its grandeur.

The decision to build a larger crane was a strategic one, aiming to meet the specific requirements of the courthouse construction. It showcases the advanced engineering and planning that went into this project, setting it apart from other construction endeavors.

The Towering Height

When completed, the crane will reach an astonishing nearly 300 feet tall. This height is truly remarkable and will make it a prominent feature in the Smith County landscape. It will stand just shy of the Plaza Tower's height, adding to the competition and excitement in the area. Compared to the crane used for building the UT Tyler School of Medicine Medical Education, which is about 160 feet tall, this new crane will be a giant among giants.

The height of the crane is not just a matter of aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in the construction process. It will allow for efficient lifting and placement of heavy materials, speeding up the construction of the courthouse and ensuring its stability.

Other Construction Efforts

Alongside the construction of the giant crane, other important efforts are underway. The building of water wells to help drain water from the construction site is a vital aspect. Sitting atop what used to be a spring, these wells will play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the site and preventing any potential water-related issues during construction.

The attention to detail in these other construction efforts shows the comprehensive approach taken by the team. It ensures that every aspect of the project is considered and addressed, resulting in a high-quality final product.

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