Carlsbad, NM – Repair crews recently completed work on the secondary elevators at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and elevator service will resume at the park Friday, May 20.
New steel reinforcing beams and wall anchors in the secondary elevator hoistway were installed recently by Supplied Industrial Solutions (SIS) of Granite City, IL to resolve safety issues that resulted in the elevators being shut down. All of the steel work has been successfully inspected by a structural engineering firm. The park has also conducted additional testing to ensure the elevators are safe for passenger use.
The elevators were taken out of service for safety concerns late last year.
“I am thrilled that the crews worked so diligently to get these renovations done quickly and safely. I also would like to thank the contracting staff in Denver who expedited the contracting process. It was a great team effort to get these elevators up and running again,” said Doug Neighbor, Superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Additionally, on May 27, the visitor center will change to extended summer hours, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Bat Flight Programs will officially begin close to dusk, nightly.
Self-guided tours remain available daily into the cavern. Ranger-guided tours are also being offered this summer into King’s Palace, Hall of the White Giant, Slaughter Canyon Cave, Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave and Spider Cave. Reservations for guided tours can be made at www.recreation.gov. For more information on park regulations, visitation or park tours, call 575-785-2232 or visitwww.nps.gov/cave.www.nps.gov