text: Today's photo of #EdsCapitolTour offers a view of the Capitol Dome under construction from the vantage point of the Capitol Visitors Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol.  The cast iron is original to the Dome?Ûªs construction in the late 1850s and early 1860s ?ÛÒ making it more than 150 years old.  Following a decade of extensive study, an estimated 1,000 cracks have been identified that needs attention.  Construction is expected for the next two years to help repair the Dome, the first restoration work to its exterior in more than 60 years.  Scaffolding is being placed from the top of the Dome to the base, as each crack in the cast iron must undergo a technique called ?ÛÏlock and stitch.?Û? This time-consuming work must be done by hand but when complete, will preserve this great symbol of democracy for generations to come.