WASHINGTON — The U.S. Secret Service is working on plans to build a new, taller White House fence to stop the frequent problem of people climbing it and jumping over onto the White House grounds.
The agency says it wants to raise the height of the fence from 6 feet to more than 11 feet, according to a presentation to the Commission on Fine Arts.
“The preliminary concept for the fence around the White House and grounds considers a taller and stronger fence that incorporates anti-climb and intrusion detection technology, while respecting the historical significance and visitor experience at the White House,” reads a joint statement from the Secret Service and the National Park Service.
The new fence would include a stronger concrete foundation and 1¾-inch pickets.
Last week, the Secret Service and National Park Service discussed the plans in front of the Commission of Fine Arts. The agencies will give the same presentation in front of the National Capital Planning Commission in May in hopes that both commissions will give approval for the project later this summer.
“There are still several additional steps before construction could begin on a new fence, and a timeline is not concrete,” reads the joint statement.
The agencies hope to start construction in 2018.
