Portions of Statue of Liberty NMon to be closed for extended period in 2011 for security upgrades
NEW YORK - The Statue of Liberty will be closed for security upgrades starting about a year from now, depriving tourists a chance to visit the crown, base and pedestal for up to 12 months.
Visitors to one of New York’s most popular attractions will still be able to visit the park surrounding the statue on Liberty Island but the security upgrade will restrict access to the statue after Oct. 12, 2011, when the statue celebrates its 125th anniversary.
The $26 million dollar project will add fire-proof staircases, elevators and exits, said David Luchsinger, superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
The only exit from the top of the 22-storey observation deck is one narrow staircase.