CARLSBAD, N.M. As work continues to modernize the primary elevators at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a milestone was reached when a large crane removed old elevator motors and installed new ones, a news release stated.

“We’re pleased with the project’s progress to provide safe transport for our visitors and staff into and out of the cavern,” Superintendent Doug Neighbor said in a statement.

Each motor weighs about 7,300 pounds with a lift capacity of 4,000 pounds, the release stated.

There are two separate elevator systems in two separate elevator shafts at the national park. The primary elevator system was originally installed in 1955 and went out of service in Nov. 2015 when a six-inch motor shaft unexpectedly sheared off, the release stated.

Work to repair and modernize the primary elevators began in Dec. 2017 and is on schedule to be completed by the end of May 2018. The secondary elevators have been providing all park elevator service while the primary elevators are being rebuilt.

The next step is to install new guide rails in the hoistway, the release stated.

More Information