BUXTON, N.C. — Crews on North Carolina’s Outer Banks are making progress in restoring the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
The structure in Buxton, North Carolina is surrounded by scaffolding nearly 200 feet high as it undergoes 18-month restoration work, according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore's website.
The seashore shared pictures Friday morning that show the work being done to the lighthouse. According to seashore officials, construction of the scaffold took 60 days and more than 10,000 pieces of material to complete.
Officials also acknowledged the daunting task that workers on the scaffold have at that height.
“Life on a barrier island means living on the edge, but these brave workers are redefining the concept entirely,” Cape Hatteras National Seashore wrote on Facebook, adding that the view "is always worth it."
Officials say the restoration project is needed as the lighthouse is exposed to salt air, high winds and intense sunlight, given its location on a barrier island and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the work being done includes repairing deteriorated masonry, metal parts, windows, marble flooring and the lantern.
Recently, the old beacon in place for 52 years was removed and replaced with a temporary beacon visible from 18 miles away. That temporary beacon will eventually be swapped out with a permanent replica lens.
While the lighthouse is closed during the project, people can still visit the grounds, but they should be on the lookout for the construction.
For the latest updates on the lighthouse project, visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s website.
