Scaffolding is starting to rise around the Washington Monument. In five months, that scaffolding will surround the entire iconic structure so crews can repair damage from the 2011 earthquake.
Tourists have been barred from the city's iconic monument since the earthquake, which caused major structural damage and sent rangers and tourists fleeing. Daredevil engineers rappelled down the monument and detailed extensive cracks and crevices that need repair.
So now, some intricate scaffolding is rising about 10 feet per day from the base of the 555-foot monument to get in place for the $15 million repair work by the U.S. Park Service.
Despite its worldwide recognition, there were budget problems until a private citizen donated half of the cost of repairs.
