Traffic & Transit
Broken Helicopter Atop UAB Hospital Causes Street Closures
As cranes attempt to remove a broken helicopter atop UAB hospital, several streets in the area are closed temporarily.
BIRMINGHAM, AL - A malfunctioning helicopter that has sat atop the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital since Sunday is being removed for repairs Tuesday, and the crane erected to remove it has caused nearby streets to close.
A report by ABC 33/40 said the operation will prompt street closures in downtown Birmingham. Fifth Avenue South from 18th to 19th Streets South will close to non-emergency vehicles, and foot traffic on 5th Avenue will be limited to the sidewalk on the north side of 5th Avenue between 18th and 19th Street.
LIVE: Broken helicopter atop UAB hospital prompts diverted patient flights, street closures in downtown Birmingham as crews erect crane to remove it. https://t.co/GuOei6IHDj@abc3340 @spann
— Stephen Quinn (@StephenQ3340) April 30, 2019
Helicopter flights have been diverted to Children's of Alabama since Sunday night. UAB officials said this is common practice anytime maintenance is required on the helipad.
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The operation is expected to be complete by 1:30 p.m.
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