The Statue of Liberty is Closing Again

For twelve months, the Statue of Liberty will be off-limits for visitors as it undergoes renovation.

As per a Federal Official announcement, the nation's dream symbol and one of the best known and most visited tourist attraction, The Statue of Liberty, will be closed for a year, starting from Oct. 28, for renovation purpose.

U.S. Secretary of the interior, Ken Salazar said the statue needs a $27.25 million renovation that is aimed at making the interior safe and more accessible. It will be closed on the 125th anniversary of its dedication.

The renovation work involves updating the mechanical and electrical systems, along with the fire-suppression equipment. The safety will be enhanced by separating the two open staircases from each other and supporting one of them with walls.

A new fire-resistant shaft will envelope the elevator running from the ground up to the fifth floor. Mr. Salazar said it is a major step in bringing a 19th-century icon into 21st century.

However, the officials said it will take some time for the work to start as they finished the financial arrangement just few months back.

Its Restricted Access, not Closed

David Luchsinger, the superintendent of the Ellis Island for National Park Service, said most of the visitors enjoy the statue from the outside and there will be no hindrance to them as the Liberty Island will remain open during the course of the work.

"Most of the people who come here, just take a walk around and take some pictures. There will be no effect of the vendors who depend on crowds," he said.

"The statue is already safe but, we are done it will be more safe", said Mr. Luchsinger.

He is quite optimistic that renovation will complete by 126th anniversary on October 2012.
Some were however, disappointed. Briana Esray, of Sacramento, said without full access to the statue, it will be different. Outside view can be had through pictures, the inside view can only be had when you come here.