Washington Monument to reopen

(finally) The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., closed since Sept. 7, will reopen Friday after installation of a barrier system, costing nearly $15 million, designed to discourage car-bomb attacks, the National Park Service said. Bill Line, spokesman for the parks' National Capital Region, described the 30-inch-high barriers as "decoratively, tastefully done," with brick facades on walls reinforced with concrete. Most of the 55-acre grounds surrounding the monument will be closed until the end of June, he added. A walkway will be kept open to provide access, and there will be a temporary ticket kiosk on the 15th Street side. The kiosk will distribute free timed, same-day tickets. You can also reserve advance tickets, which are free but carry fees of $1.50 per ticket plus 50 cents per order, by calling (800) 967-2283 or visiting reservations.nps.gov