In security upgrade, Statue of Liberty NMon to get second staircase, elevators, and exits
Lady Liberty will celebrate her 125th birthday next year by taking some time off.
Officials at the National Park Service announced Monday that the Statue of Liberty will be closed to the public for up to a year beginning next fall for security upgrades -- including a new staircase. The 22-story structure currently has a single staircase spiraling up to the crown. The Associated Press reports that construction on a second staircase is set to begin in October 2011.
"The $26 million dollar project will add fire-proof staircases, elevators and exits," David Luchsinger, superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, told Reuters.