Demolition at Yankees Stadium

Demolition at the House that Ruth Build has lasted longer that what officials expected. The old Yankees Stadium lies in a congested location with an elevated subway line and residential area nearby, which is preventing workers from using explosives. (WPIX-TV / March 11, 2010)

By ANDREW RAMOS wpix.com

4:22 p.m. EST, March 11, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Unlike most demolitions, tearing apart Yankees Stadium is proving to be more than just your typical implosion.

According to the city's Economic Development Corp, the House that Ruth Built has become one of the most complicated demolition projects in the city's history.

Unlike the 8-month long demolition at the Mets' former home, Shea Stadium, which was surrounded by open space, the old Yankees Stadium sits just yards away from a residential area as well an elevated subway train. The close distance is preventing workers from using explosives in the busy area.

Even before the demolition began, workers spent over two months removing asbestos when considering the surrounding area.

The Economic Development Corp. expects to have the stadium down in four months to make way from planned parks. In its place, the City will build a three-field ballfield park called Heritage Field.