SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) — The Brayton Point cooling towers are no more.

The Somerset skyline changed dramatically Saturday morning as the two 500-foot towers were demolished.

According to the new owners of the property, Commercial Development Company, Inc., Brayton Point was once the largest coal-fired power plant in New England and the implosion of the cooling towers represents a significant milestone towards the development of “Brayton Point Commerce Center,” a world-class logistical port and support center built to support renewable energy and the emerging U.S. offshore wind sector.

Built in 1957 and commissioned in 1963, the Brayton Point Power Station was the last coal-fired power station in Massachusetts to provide power to the regional grid. At its peak, Brayton Point had a capacity of 1,600 megawatts and employed more than 250 full-time staff.

The plant had four generation units providing electricity to 1.5 million homes using coal and fuel oil over the course of its operations. After more than six decades of use, the Brayton Point Power Station stopped producing power in May 2017.

Did you watch the demolition in person? We want to see your photos and videos! Send them to us via ReportIt! or on the WPRI 12 Facebook page or tweet us @wpri12 with #TowerImplosions.

A number of road closures and parking restrictions were in place in the area surrounding Brayton Point, and the U.S. Coast Guard set up a perimeter in the water to ensure boats don’t get too close.

Once the all-clear was given after the demolition, the roads and waterways fully reopened.

More Facts

A look back: Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo tours the towers in 2011 »

Brayton Point was once the largest coal-fired power plant in New England.

According to the company, the implosion represented the tallest cooling towers ever imploded in the world.

Once the entire power plant is razed, it will be renamed the “Brayton Point Commerce Center” and support the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry.