By Tom Weber, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – Officials at the Gateway Arch are working to replace the concrete barriers that surround the grounds as extra security.
The temporary barriers went in after the September 11 attacks and Arch Superintendent Ken Schaefer says there have been many complaints that they're unsightly.
He says a new series of poles will surround the grounds that will look nicer and provide more security.
"It'll almost be like a fence without wire between it or pickets between it. So, it's pedestrian friendly - people can walk in and out anywhere in the park as they used to be able to do. But yet vehicles can't just jump the curb and get onto the grounds and get up to the Arch," Schaefer said.
The $4 million for the project are part of the budget for the Interior Department that President Bush signed this week. The money will also pay for other Arch security upgrades.