Skip to main content

Norton Says Washington Monument Shutdown Will Likely Stretch into September; Full Elevator Modernization Lasting Nearly One Year Necessary to End Chronic Breakdowns

August 24, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As a result of a briefing that she requested with National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks Gay Vietzke, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) learned today for the first time that the current 10-day shutdown of the Washington Monument for purposes of a thorough investigation of its only elevator will likely last longer than 10 days and could stretch well into September. Superintendent Vietzke said NPS does not know the exact causes of the recent breakdown and the inspection is necessary to diagnose the elevator’s underlying deficiencies. Once the investigation is completed, Norton said NPS intends to begin the process of planning a full modernization of the elevator system for the first time in almost 20 years, focusing particularly on the elevator’s electrical infrastructure, computer system, and control panel, which regulates the elevator’s movements up and down. The modernization could require an eight-to-nine month closure of the Monument.

“I appreciate the thorough briefing by NPS and the transparency it has afforded us on the condition of the Washington Monument’s elevator,” Norton said. “I regret that NPS believes that the full modernization would shut down the Monument itself for as much as nine months, and I am requesting that the closure of the Monument for the purpose of repairs be completed before next year’s tourist season begins. We have been assured that NPS has the necessary funds from its partners and in its budget. I believe NPS erred in not rehabilitating the elevator when the Monument was closed for renovations following the 2011 earthquake. When an elevator seems to be in good shape, but is a one-of-a-kind elevator that operates 13 hours per day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and eight hours per day thereafter, the elevator’s lifespan must be uniquely measured. However, NPS has now embarked on the appropriate wholesale and comprehensive reconstruction of the elevator that should ensure the end of the frequent breakdowns.”