SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – A 10,000-pound magnet will be lifted by a crane and lowered through a skylight into the basement of Regional West Medical Center’s new MRI unit on Monday, July 11.

The project will require closure of the northbound lanes of Avenue B for most of the day on Monday. Avenue B will be closed north of the Regional West Emergency Department ambulance exit. Rugger Drive, 42nd Street, and the ambulance entrance and exit will remain open and accessible.

The crane which will be used to move the magnet is scheduled to arrive Monday at 9 a.m. At that time, the two northbound traffic lanes at the north end of Avenue B next to the hospital will be closed to allow the crane to set-up.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., workers will move equipment, computer components, and cabinets into the building through the skylight. The actual MRI magnet will be hoisted and lowered into the building at approximately 1 p.m.

Construction will continue on the new MRI unit until the end of August. An open house is being planned when the unit is completed and the MRI is ready for patient care.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.