WASHINGTON (AP) — Repair work is underway at the earthquake-damaged Washington National Cathedral ahead of its reopening for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

A 500-foot crane has been removing debris Monday around the cathedral’s towers. Engineers tell WRC-TV that scaffolding will be built around the cathedral’s damaged spires as soon as the broken stone is cleared away.

The Aug. 23 earthquake damaged the cathedral’s limestone exterior towers and some interior areas. Safety nets have been installed beneath the ceiling to guard against falling debris.

A New York City crew that placed scaffolding around the Statue of Liberty during recent renovations is working on the cathedral repairs. The repair project could take months or years to complete.

The cathedral was completed in 1990 after 83 years of work.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)