The New York State Capitol's Eastern Approach staircase will be restored and rehabilitated starting in early summer.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced a $72 million contract with Allegrone Companies for the rehabilitation of the staircase.

Closed to the public for nearly a decade, the staircase will undergo extensive restoration along with improvements to the north and south promenades, executive drive and east portico. Allegrone will perform the restoration work under OGS supervision.

The project will address structural damage caused by water infiltration and deterioration. Work is expected to begin early this summer, and East Capitol Park will be closed for the duration of the project, which is anticipated to take four to five years to complete.

"This complex and intricate capital construction project will reinforce the structure, enhance public safety, preserve its historic nature and ensure it can support the eastern façade of the building," Moy said in a statement.