Washington monument may stay closed until 2014

The Washington Monument, closed to the public ever since a magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit in 2011, may not re-open until 2014 at the earliest, according to The Washington Post.

The National Park Service anticipates the $15 million project to repair the iconic structure could involve the temporary removal of part of the granite plaza surrounding the monument, in addition to the construction of an access road on the south side of the grounds, The Post reported. Repairs will require the exterior to be covered in scaffolding.

Officials said earlier that the monument might be closed until 2013. Repairs have not yet begun, but could begin this fall.