WASHINGTON – Government contractors have gathered outside the White House to put the finishing touches on a plan to add extra security.

According to the United States Secret Service, workers will be on the sidewalk around the White House grounds for eight hours Thursday, taking measurements and examining the fence.

Portions of the sidewalk will be closed to the public.

The Secret Service recently announced a plan to install a layer of sharp metal spikes on the top of the fence. The project is slated to begin in early July, and it will take roughly four weeks to complete.

It has been a constant battle for the Secret Service to stop people from trying to climb the fence.

The layer of spikes will be a temporary security measure as the Secret Service, National Park Service and other agencies work to find a long-term solution.