Perkiomen Avenue reopens near partial church collapse in Reading [Updated]
May 13—One of the Reading streets closed May 3 near the former St. Cecilia's Chapel at 1340 Perkiomen Ave. has reopened.
The partial collapse of a steeple on May 3 and subsequent inspection led to the closing of a portion of Perkiomen Avenue and Spruce Street. According to county records, the church building was constructed in 1890.
Work to dismantle the steeple began May 6.
City officials had said Monday afternoon that Spruce Street in front of the church would be closed until late Tuesday, but now the closure and work is expected to continue through Wednesday.
"Crews are finalizing the installation of a tarp over the top of the church tower structure," a statement released Monday afternoon by a city official said. "We appreciate the patience of residents and commuters during this ongoing work."
