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BUXTON, N.C. — Repairs to the staircase at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse may take longer than expected, leaving the region without its top attraction for most of the summer tourism season.
The nation's tallest brick beacon has been closed to climbers since June when a small chunk of cast iron fell from the second landing of the spiral staircase.
Another loose piece was found after the lighthouse was closed to climbers.
An inspection found other cracks in support beams, treads and risers. Repairs to the structure are expected to cost $750,000.
The lighthouse is not expected to be open to climbers until October, when repairs to the structure have been completed.
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