Work is finally underway to raze part of the former Russo Demolition Building on 31^st Street.
 
Crews began to demolish a fire-damaged wall at the site on Monday. Altoona City officials have been anxious to reopen the roadway, which has been closed for nearly two months. A massive fire in May heavily damaged the structure.
 
City officials determined that two walls on the building were structurally unsound and needed to be torn down. They ordered the roadway closed until the owner, who is from New York, made arrangements to have the work done.
 
The demolition work is expected to take a few days to complete. A city spokesperson says if all goes well, the road could reopen by the end of the week.