A project to help emergency dispatchers, firefighters and police communicate is now in full swing.

It takes a skillful crew to prepare for what's being installed atop the Berks County Courthouse in downtown Reading this weekend.

As part of the county's 911 radio project, new radio towers are being installed to meet federal regulations.

Approximately $60 million has been invested to make the much needed improvements, said Carl Geffken, the county's chief operating officer.

"Part of that is the installation of a new tower on the courthouse here," said Geffken.

The tower being replaced, Geffken said, was installed as a weather tower in the 1930s.

Starting Saturday, Court Street will be closed as a 330-foot crane remove the old tower for preservation at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at the Reading Regional Airport, Geffken said.

In its place will be a new super-structure that will support the weight of the new tower above the courthouse.

"The benefit of the new system, it will be a good tie in of all the public safety, both fire and police initially, and then going onto hopefully the public works departments of these various 73 municipalities, so they can all inter-relate and be able to speak with each other, especially during emergencies," said Geffken.

To ensure officials come to the aid of those in need, Geffken said efficient and fast communication is essential.

"You don't know the importance of the system until you need it, when you need emergency services," said Geffken.