Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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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.

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.

 for new guardrails at Minnesota's Capitol.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Brian Bakst

Author

New permanent, bronze guard rails will go up this month at the four main entrances to the Minnesota state Capitol. The upgrade is expected to cost $675,000.

Out go the fences, in come the guardrails at state Capitol

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