It has been a busy week on Vanadium Road.

Demolition of a building and replacement of railroad tracks earlier this month brought more than a few sighs of relief and moments of held breath from residents and those who travel the roadway every day.

An office building at 620 Vanadium Road that suffered irreparable damage during a fire in September 2003 was finally demolished --much to the gratitude of local residents, said Kirwan Heights Fire Chief Mark Lewis.

"The people in the neighborhood are ecstatic it's finally gone," he said. "It's been an eyesore."

The property is located in the valley of Vanadium Road, down the hill fromthe Kirwan Heights Volunteer Fire Department. It went through two owners before being purchased by Gordan Giffin, who plans to redevelop the site.

Lewis, an assistant fire chief in 2003, said the cause of the fire was proven to be a malfunctioning furnace. The building could not be salvaged due to unstable blocks and mortar in the foundation.

Ten fire departments battled the flames from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning.

Over the past five years, Lewis said, he's been fearful someone could get caught in the remains of the property and become injured.

Near the demolition site, residents had their patience tested as railroad tracks were replaced on Vanadium Road near Scotti Drive from May 2 to 6.

The work necessitated closure of the roadway, which caught local motorists off guard.

Lewis said "poor planning" contributed to the traffic problems, which backed up cars for miles in both directions on Washington Pike during the evening hours on May 2.

On a police scanner, he heard many calls from parents concerned over why children and school buses were late arriving home during the afternoon. Lewis said that approximately 20,000 cars travel Vanadium Road each morning and afternoon.

Open House

The Kirwan Heights Fire Department, located at 1200 Washington Pike, will hold an Open House/Fire Safety Day on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day will include demonstrations from local fire departments and food and refreshments will be provided.

Honest-1 Auto Care will also be presented with a Community Service Award at noon for its efforts in raising money for the fire department.

In March, the business donated $2,400, or 8 percent of its gross sales over its first two months in business. The money will be used to purchase needed rescue equipment.