-- This might seem a bit of ho-hum information, but consider that the workers will be retrofitting a steel framework that is located within a 754-foot deep shaft that is about 30 ft square WHILE some of the elevators and counter weights are still zipping by ! Not work for the faint-hearted. As an aside, we once transported a long ladder down into the cave back in the 1980s to check a high lead, and due to the fact that it was too long to fit in the elevators. I and another caver rode the ladder down to the Lunch Room on top of one of the elevator cars. We had our caving lights on and held on for dear life. It's not until you ride one of those cars down that you really realize how fast they are dropping ! Watching the walls at arms length zoom past at a blur was a bit unnerving. - Jerry. ....................................................... Renovation planned for Cavern elevators >From the Current-Argus Posted: 09/03/2010 09:07:08 PM MDT
CARLSBAD — Carlsbad Caverns National Park is doing some renovation in the name of safety. On Sept. 13, a contract to replace most of the steel support beams in the Caverns' primary elevator hoistway will commence. According to a press release, the maintenance is required due to peeling lead-based paint and damage caused by corrosion on the 55-year-old steel framework. "This is a very necessary project that will improve employee safety for the elevator mechanics and significantly prolong the useful life of the primary elevator system," said park Superintendent John Benjamin. "We regret that it will affect visitor use on busy days. We have scheduled the work for the time of the year with the lowest visitation, and we have made extensive contingency plans to lessen the adverse effects of the project." The elevator system at the park provides transportation for visitors and cargo to and from the main cavern, located 754 feet below the Visitor Center. The system includes four elevators: a primary set that carry 16 passengers each and a secondary set that carry eight passengers each. Many factors, such as the difficulty of accessing the hoistway, the presence of lead-based paint and the interest in public safety, raised the recommendation to reinforce the structure with galvanized beams, from a team of National Park Service and industry experts. The contract to carry-out the work was granted to White Construction Group of Castle Rock, Colo. The repairs of the beams will take from mid-September to mid-May 2011, the release said. Management assistant Paula Bauer provided helpful tips on how to make your visit as efficient as possible. "We will try our best to direct and maintain a steady flow of visitors exiting the cave ... the wait can be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of visitors," she said. "We suggest coming earlier in the day, because lines in the afternoon tend to be longer as people try to leave. Staff members will be in the area to answer any questions and to keep things running as smooth as possible while the construction takes place." However, visitors are allowed to hike out to the cave's natural entrance via a steep 1-mile route. Park officials suggest that anyone considering this route needs to start the hike before mid-day, be wearing appropriate footwear and be in good physical condition. It is an uphill climb, with an elevation gain of about 800 feet over about one and a quarter miles. The gradual climb is not recommended for anyone who experiences problems with their heart, breathing, knees, back or diabetes. Visitors with health concerns should return to the surface by elevator. _http://www.currentargus.com/ci_15988628_ (http://www.currentargus.com/ci_15988628)
