Officials at Carlsbad Caverns National Park say the park’s primary elevators now have new motors.
The primary elevator system was installed in 1955 and went out of service in November 2015 when a 6-inch motor shaft sheared off. Work to repair and modernize the system began last December.
Officials on Tuesday called the installation of the new motors a milestone. The work involved using a large crane to remove the old motors. Each motor weighs 7,300 pounds with a lift capacity of 4,000 pounds.
The next step will be to install new guide rails in the hoist way.
There are two separate elevator systems in two separate elevator shafts at the park. The secondary elevators have been providing all park elevator service while the primary elevators are being rebuilt.
