Following high winds on Tuesday, a sign outside of the Empire Buffet restaurant appeared to be leaning precariously into traffic.

According to Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher, the city closed down Pike Street to keep the sign from falling into traffic. Initially, a crane from Mustang Aerial Services arrived at the scene, anticipating the sign’s removal, however, a welder from United Construction discovered that the sign was salvageable.

“The way it was moving, we thought it would break. After they explained how they were built, we understood that the structural portion was still attached; they were able to get it and straighten it up,” said Schlicher.

Upon the welder’s arrival at the scene via police escort, according to Schlicher, the process went smoothly to begin repairs on the sign. Pike Street remained closed until the repairs were completed around 7 p.m.

“Once they got there and saw what was happening, they said we could repair it and get it replaced,” said Schlicher. “Everybody was safe.”

According to the city, the welding company has begun private conversations with the owners of the property and additional construction continued on Wednesday to ensure the sign was properly secured.