One of the first pieces of the old Okanagan floating bridge was removed Monday.

A portion of the lift span near the west side of the bridge was pulled out of place Monday afternoon by a sturdy little machine, aptly named the ‘hauler.’

Construction spokesperson, Jay Sutton, says the span portion they removed weighed more than 400 tons.

“It will take a ground crew of between 20 and 25 workers several hours to get it ready to be pulled out of place. It will be moved, very slowly, from its spot. Once it gets to the end of the skids, it will be chopped up and recycled,” says Sutton.

He says the reason they have to move the section before cutting it up is due to safety concerns.

“Right now it’s suspended over water. It’s much easier, and safer, to deal with the amount of metal when it’s over land.”

Once the span is removed, boats will be able to go under the bridge once again.

Some 20 people stood on the new William R. Bennett bridge to watch the dismantlement of the old floating bridge.

Link: See more photos in the gallery.