U.S. Capitol scaffolding down but work continues

The scaffolding which has surrounded the U.S. Capitol since 2014 has been taken down. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
The scaffolding which has surrounded the U.S. Capitol since 2014 has been taken down. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Workmen are seen taking apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, in Washington, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Workmen are seen taking apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, in Washington, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Workmen take apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, Monday, March 21, 2016, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Workmen take apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, Monday, March 21, 2016, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The Capitol Dome is illuminated amid scaffolding for repairs in Washington, Friday morning, Dec. 18, 2015.  The House and Senate race to wrap up votes on a massive spending and tax package, which President Barack Obama promises to sign.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The Capitol Dome is illuminated amid scaffolding for repairs in Washington, Friday morning, Dec. 18, 2015. The House and Senate race to wrap up votes on a massive spending and tax package, which President Barack Obama promises to sign. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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The scaffolding which has surrounded the U.S. Capitol since 2014 has been taken down. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Workmen are seen taking apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, in Washington, Monday, March 21, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Workmen take apart the scaffolding that has shrouded the Capitol Dome for two years as it received a multi-million dollar renovation to repair cracks, remove lead paint and restore the structure to its original splendor, Monday, March 21, 2016, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The Capitol Dome is illuminated amid scaffolding for repairs in Washington, Friday morning, Dec. 18, 2015.  The House and Senate race to wrap up votes on a massive spending and tax package, which President Barack Obama promises to sign.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON — People on the National Mall may notice something different about the Capitol building. The scaffolding which has surrounded it since 2014 has been taken down.

“It’s a beautiful building, after the construction and reconstruction, it looks very nice, we are very proud of it,” Noel Clark from California said.

The announcement that one of the nation’s most iconic buildings is scaffold-free came from the Architect of the Capitol on Twitter.

Work to repair more than 1,000 cracks and very old cast iron began back in November 2014, and is a part of the biggest restoration project on the dome since 1960.

“It’s great that they are keeping things updated,” said Tonya Houston of New York.

The AOC said the restoration is in the completion phase and work will continue even with the scaffolding down. The goal is to have the work complete by the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Mike Murillo

Mike Murillo is a reporter and anchor at WTOP. Before joining WTOP in 2013, he worked in radio in Orlando, New York City and Philadelphia.

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