Beams to be removed at 6 WTC

Seven years after the above ground structure of the United States Customs House was cleared after being severely damaged in the September 11 terrorist attacks, a permit was filed this week to demolish remaining underground steel structures within the demolished building’s footprint.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey applied for a permit April 20 with the city Department of Buildings to demolish beams below the former U.S. Customs House, also known as Six World Trade Center, as well as portions of Vesey Street, the filing says.

The demolition is to clear the way for the continued construction of One World Trade Center, which is being developed on part of the old 6 World Trade Center footprint, Port Authority spokesperson Steve Coleman said.

The complexity of the World Trade Center project within a tight space near the PATH commuter rail system necessitated a staggered work process, he said.

“They need to do this demolition work so that steel erection and concrete installation can continue,” Coleman said.

He said the steel beams were located within a small area under Vesey Street in the footprint of Six World Trade Center, but were not necessarily part of the infrastructure of the demolished building. They could have been portions of underground parking decks or ramps, he said.

The above ground portions of 6 World Trade Center were demolished in 2002, Coleman said.