The most asked question about the move of America's tallest lighthouse to its new home is, "If I am at Hatteras at such and such date, what will I be able to see?" The reply to that is simply, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event and at any phase it is an exciting event."
The latest schedule for the move process is: until early this month: installation of the main beams with hydraulic jacks that will lift the tower. The next step will be to install the roll beams upon which the tower will move.
Mid June: (could be a little earlier or a little later) the slide should begin. It can take up to six weeks, moving at about 50 feet per day. This is now predicted to last until mid-August.
August until mid September: The tower will arrive at the new foundation, be lowered onto the concrete pad, all steel removed, and concrete infill to complete its new foundation will be done. Phase II will begin at that time to install new parking, utilities etc.
Memorial Day 2000 is the tentative date for the reopening of the lighthouse to the public.
This story appeared in the
June 1999 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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