nytraveler

The Park Service has announced that they will not reopen any additional sections of the statue - so visitors will still have access to the base only.

The inner passage to the crown is so narrow and the stairs so steep and curving that it has been determined it would be impossible to evacuate if necessary and so will remain closed permanently.

happytrailstoyou

I was sorry to read that. Climbing to the crown was the highlight of my first visit to NYC many years ago.

nytraveler

Well- I did it as a child and it wasn't an easy climb - not good for anyone with vertigo, claustrophobia or any fear of heights.

And I can;t imagine how you could evacuate it quickly - since we were packed in like sardines.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Did anyone REALLY expect it to be opened?

I'm glad to have looked out her crown on a cold January day when I was 22 yr old. Yes, it was a climb!

Dohlice

And you know if something happens it will be the federal governments fault that they couldn’t pluck people straight out of the crown.

Brian_in_Charlotte

Perhaps the growing average girth of the American tourist has had something to do with this.

nytraveler

Brian -

You've obviusly never been inside the statue. I was about 11 years old and skinny if anything - and it was hard for people to pass.

I agree obesity is an issue in the US - but in this case the problem is the stairs - not the people.

seetheworld

I agree nytraveler.

I think I'm going to dig out my old photo albums and look for those pictures...

P_M

About 20 years ago I visited NY for the first time. I climbed to the crown and later that day went to the observation deck of the WTC. Who would have known these would be once in a lifetime opportunities.

abram

My mother (age 83) remembers when you could go up into the torch!