Construction crews put barricades around Arch

ST. LOUIS -- Construction crews are erecting 4,000-pound concrete barriers around most of the grounds at the Gateway Arch as a precaution against terrorist attacks, officials said.

The 10-foot-long barriers would prevent trucks loaded with explosives from reaching the Arch, Gary Easton, superintendent of the Jefferson National Expansion Project, said Tuesday. The 32-inch-high barriers, similar to those used on road projects, will be installed about 4 feet from the curb.

The work is part of an effort to protect major landmarks from terrorism, though Easton said there is no known threat to the Arch.

He said the barriers would extend along Memorial Drive from the Old Cathedral on the south to the parking garages on the north. Because of the steepness of the area around the Arch steps, there is no need for barriers on the east side of the grounds, Easton said.

The project will cost about $86,000 and is expected to be completed this week, Easton said. Crews are working at night to avoid disrupting daytime traffic.