Washington Monument May Remain Closed Until 2014
The iconic landmark appears to have suffered more earthquake damage than originally thought.
| Posted Monday, July 9, 2012, at 2:20 PM
Fireworks illuminate the night sky over the Washington Monument during Fourth of July celebrations in D.C.
Photo by Jewel Samad/AFP/GettyImages.
Want to visit the Washington Monument? You may have to wait a few years.
The Washington Post reports that last summer's earthquake appears to have done more damage to the iconic landmark than had originally been thought. The monument could remain closed until 2014, as it undergoes repairs.
Visitors have been unable to tour the nation's signature landmark since the quake left cracks in several of its marble and granite blocks. The sudden ground movement also dislodged some of the mortar that holds these blocks together. According to the Post, repairs are estimated at $15 million, and they may involve covering the monument's facade with scaffolding.
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