Growing Cracks Close Part Of WWII Memorial In DC: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Park Service has decided to close the Atlantic archway of the World War II memorial on the National Mall due to a growing crack on the granite pillar dedicated to the District of Columbia, according to a report.

DCist reports that crews will assess the damage and prepare a report for NPS on what it will take to fix the memorial. No repair work is being done yet.

Visitors will still be able to see the memorial, they just won't be able to walk up to certain parts. And authorities don't believe the cracks present any danger to visitors.

NBC 4 reporter Scott MacFarlane tweeted video of the cracks (embedded below) earlier this year.

He said the National Park Service ordered an assessment of the damage and repairs.

EXCLUSIVE - Cracks forming on national World War II Memorial in Washington. Natl Park Service orders assessment of damage & repairs. District of Columbia pillar impacted https://t.co/ipfTDACOJl pic.twitter.com/MuY7WWqFHs
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) May 23, 2019

The Washington Post reports that the crack likely developed soon after its dedication 15 years ago and has now increased in size, requiring intervention by the National Park Service.

The crack is now about 20 feet long, but fortunately it doesn't threaten the structural integrity of the monument itself.

There is not yet an estimated timetable or budget for the repairs.

The World War II memorial is dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during the war. It has 56 pillars and a pair of arches that surround a fountain. It is situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument next to the Reflecting Pool. It opened on April 29, 2004, and was dedicated the next month by President George W. Bush. Around 5 million people visit the memorial each year.