Study: Sea wall sinking around Jefferson Memorial
Add to:
(AP) - The sea wall protecting the Jefferson Memorial from the Tidal Basin is sinking in spots and needs repair, a study concluded.
The domed landmark built in the late 1930s and early '40s is not in danger but should be monitored, according to the yearlong engineering study commissioned by the National Park Service.
The study released Tuesday attributes the sinking mainly to soft soil under the wall that has compressed over the years. In some places, the wall has sunk almost a foot since the memorial was built.
The experts recommended reinforcing the wall by installing pilings through underlying mud flats and anchoring them in bedrock far below. The repair project could cost more than $10 million.
"It's a significant issue," said Nathan James, a project manager for HNTB Federal Services of Washington, one of the firms that conducted the study. "If it isn't addressed, there's nothing to stop (the sinking), nothing to arrest the problem."
The wall seems to be sinking at an increased rate in recent years, which might be connected to the changes in groundwater levels, according to the study.
Park service officials said they will do more evaluation before moving forward, and stressed that tourists shouldn't hesitate to visit in the meantime.
"The memorial remains open," said Bill Line, a park service spokesman. "It is absolutely safe and sound."
___
On the Net:
Memorial Web site: http://www.nps.gov/thje/