Out go the fences, in come the guardrails at state Capitol
The main entrances to Minnesota's state Capitol get a new look starting this week.
The grand staircases leading into the 113-year-old building will be upgraded to provide a safety feature some lawmakers say should have come a long time ago. New bronze guardrails are being installed toward the top of the front stairs and the entrances on the north, east and west sides.
They will replace temporary barriers meant to discourage people from perching on overhangs.
The permanent guardrails have been under consideration since an extensive Capitol renovation was completed about two years ago. Officials say they had to balance the historic attributes of the building with visitor safety.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The $675,000 expense will come out of a Capitol restoration account, according to Department of Administration estimates.
Installation work is due to wrap up within a few weeks.
A state report outlines the plans for new guardrails at Minnesota's Capitol.