WASHINGTON — The Washington Monument has reopened to the public after elevator repairs shuttered the popular attraction for three days.
The monument reopened at 9 a.m., according to the National Park Service.
The obelisk had been closed this week to realign the elevator car, which came offline due to repeated power outages last week.
Sixty-three people were at the top of the monument on the observation level when the elevator lost power Sunday night. They had to climb down the stairs to the exit and a special chair was needed to help one visitor down.
At least one politician wants some answers.
“I have very serious concerns,” said D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. “I want a guarantee that this is not going to happen again.”
Norton says a troubled elevator at the iconic monument sends a bad message about the city, especially during peak tourist season.
She plans to demand a solution during a meeting with National Park Service officials.
“This elevator runs seven days a week, it runs 13 hours a day, so you’ve got to get us an elevator that can handle that load and can handle that time frame,” Norton said.
Tickets were available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the lodge on 15th Street between Madison and Jefferson drives.
Electrical problems shuttered the monument for two days last week.
WTOP’s Nick Iannelli contributed to this report.
