Visitors aren’t allowed upstairs at Arlington House high above Arlington National Cemetery after the Aug. 23 earthquake created several long cracks against the back wall.

While already amid renovations to install climate control, the staircase is now considered unsafe because it’s mounted to the rear wall. While it wouldn’t be problematic for a few people to use it concurrently, a recent Saturday of 2,000 visitors to the Custis-Lee Mansion would like cause increased damage. Repairs should be completed in coming months.