US Capitol Dome Getting $60 Million Renovation
The US Capitol Dome is getting a $60 million renovation to address more than 1,300 cracks and deficiencies found recently. The dome was constructed of cast iron more than 150 years ago and hasn’t undergone a massive renovation since 1959-1960.
The reconstruction is expected to take about two years and will require the dome to be covered in scaffolding. During the work, a white canopy system that looks like a doughnut will be installed to protect the public in the rotunda below, along with allowing the famous artwork on the ceiling to be seen by visitors.
Eugene Poole, the restoration project manager, explained that the work is needed because “consistent bombardment of the natural elements” allowed water to seep through the dome’s laminate coating, reports The New York Times. The water caused rust in the dome and stains that threaten to damage the artwork inside.
Along with detecting more than 1,000 deficiencies in the Capitol Dome, officials also collected hundreds of pieces of debris they hope to reattach to the dome. In explaining the need for the renovations, CBS News notes that Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers stated:
“As stewards of the Capitol for the Congress and the American people, we must conduct this critical work to save the Dome. From a distance, the Dome looks magnificent, thanks to the hard-work of our employees. On closer look, under the paint, age and weather have taken its toll and the AOC needs to make repairs to preserve the dome.”
Workers will use a “lock-and-stitch” method to repair the cracks. The process uses metal pins inside the cracks and locks to pull the sides of the fissures together and make them stronger. Most of the work will be done on nights and weekends to prevent disruptions in the Capitol building, though visitors will still see the scaffolding.
The US Capitol Dome’s renovations make it one of two major landmarks undergoing repair in Washington, D.C. The Washington Monument is wrapped in scaffolding while workers fix damage caused by an earthquake in 2011. Work on the Dome will begin next month.
[Image via ShutterStock]
