Engineers will provide an updated assessment today for earthquake damage to the Washington Monument. The 555-foot structure has been closed to the public since cracks appeared after a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the city Aug. 23.
The National Park Service has not said when the structure will re-open, but engineers are looking at the fastest way to repair the cracks, which allowed in heavy rains from Hurricane Irene.
The 126-year-old monument has remained closed since the earthquake.
With it’s Egyptian obelisk-like shape, the monument is one of the most easily recognizable structures in the D.C. skyline and has continued to draw visitors to its grounds despite its closure. The park service erected a 100-foot-radius fence to prevent any falling debris from injuring visitors.
• Meredith Somers can be reached at msomers@washingtontimes.com.
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