Fears Of Church Collapse Shut Down Reading Streets (UPDATED)

The Public Works Department in Reading is demolishing an abandoned church at Perkiomen Avenue and Spruce Street, according to city officials.

Authorities said the church is in danger of collapsing.

"To ensure public safety, a portion of the church tower needs to be taken down," the Mayor's office said in a release.

Perkiomen Avenue is closed from Mineral Spring Road to South 14th Street and Spruce Street is closed from Mineral Spring Road to Miller Street until the work is done, officials said.

Update: Work is expected to continue through Friday, May 10, Mayor Moran said on Monday evening.

"While crews continue to work to address safety concerns at the abandoned church, the city is actively collaborating with our contractor to ensure progress is made efficiently," he said.

"We understand the inconvenience these closures may cause and appreciate the community's patience as we work towards a resolution."

For updates, visit the city's Facebook page.