The welding sparks are brighter against a night sky than during the daytime. The city streets are quieter, too, as construction workers toil into the night on construction of the Prudential towers in Newark.

Crews have been working in two shifts to get as much done as they can before the cold weather settles in, according to Chris Pastore, project manager for SJP Properties.

“We want to take advantage of the mild weather,” Pastore said. “When you can get it done, you want to get as much accomplished as you can.”

Prudential is constructing a $144 million, 20-story office tower on Broad Street across from Military Park. Demolition of buildings on the site began in May, with construction starting shortly after.

“If you came by a few weeks ago, you would have just seen a hole in the ground,” Pastore said. “We’re now eight stories tall.”

Pastore said there’s virtually no difference between working during the day or the night.

“With any construction project, safety is paramount,” he said.

Safety officers are on site for both shifts and the same guidelines are followed for both day and night crews. The only difference is high-powered spotlights to illuminate the work area.

With the exception of a few apartments on New Street, the neighborhood is commercial and mostly empty in the evenings. Pastore said the night work isn’t noisy, like pile-driving steel beams into the ground, and he’s heard no complaints about noise.

“I’d be the first to hear about it,” he said.

Crews finish up around 10 p.m.

Prudential’s global headquarters will remain in the landmark building at 751 Broad St. The new building will house staff currently in the Gateway Building in Newark. The insurer also has plans for another office tower adjacent to the new one.

“I don’t think you’ll see the night construction much longer,” Pastore said. “Every day the temperature drops, it becomes less efficient to work at night.”

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