BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ — The Barnegat Lighthouse's exterior restoration is almost complete, state park officials said.

Starting on Sept. 12, the scaffolding will start to be removed, "signifying the completion of a complete exterior restoration of the lighthouse, masonry recoating and repairs to the brick facade, roof repairs and the installation of new windows," New Jersey State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites shared on social media.

The scaffolding removal process will take about three weeks, officials said.

Old Barney, as the lighthouse is fondly known, closed on March 14 to undergo a $1.3 million restoration project, the Department of Environmental Protection previously said. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park has remained open; visitors were just unable to climb the lighthouse, and the beacon light has stayed dark since closing.

The project is still on track to be completed in October, though no official reopening date has been announced by the DEP.

When complete, the lighthouse will also have a new beacon light, along with interior lantern steel platform repairs.

"For 165 years the Barnegat Lighthouse has stood as an important beacon to sailors, ships and Jersey shore visitors," DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette previously said. "This critical restorative work will ensure that the historic lighthouse remains a bright and welcoming landmark for future generations."

"The State Park Service looks forward to relighting the lighthouse beacon and welcoming visitors into the restored lighthouse soon," officials said.

Constructed in 1856, the Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the signature destinations along the Jersey shore and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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