TK Elevator modernizes Carlsbad Caverns with new high-speed elevators

TK Elevator, a global leader in urban mobility solutions, has re-engineered cave access and exploration at the World Heritage site of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The two-year project included construction of two new traction elevators 750 feet below the surface – equivalent to the height of the Hoover Dam – that travel 700 feet per minute.

Safeguarding and enhancing a World Heritage site

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park consists of more than 100 limestone caves, making it a site of scientific and public interest with nearly 500,000 visitors annually. The original elevator system, installed in 1955, required repair and modernization to enhance safe and convenient travel for visitors.

The new elevator system improves visitor access to Carlsbad Caverns, making it easier for the public to explore the cave’s depths and reducing congestion from working contractors, researchers, and park staff. This transit improvement supports the park’s educational mission by facilitating the public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of its geological formations.

Thoughtful construction techniques

Due to the extreme characteristics of the site, installation required a high level of engineering expertise. Among the project challenges was transporting materials to the bottom of the cavern using a reverse construction method that required precision and planning. Each piece of equipment and material was carefully transported down the existing elevator shaft and then accurately assembled to ensure the structural integrity of the new elevator and minimize potential disruptions to the cavern’s delicate ecosystem.

The TK Elevator team modernized critical components, such as the hoistway divider beams, rails, machines, cables, cab slings and elevator roof. Given the cave’s high moisture levels, system designers used galvanized and stainless steel to ensure durability and corrosion resistance for a reliable and long-lasting elevator system.

Commitment to safety and environmental protection

A team of six highly skilled TK Elevator crew members adhered to stringent safety protocols and carefully planned and executed each step of the construction process. The planning phase involved detailed risk assessments and contingency plans to mitigate potential hazards. The crew’s dedication to safety and precision protected the natural environment and delivered a fast and efficient new traction elevator system.

Partnering with TK Elevator, the National Park Service leveraged modern engineering to keep the caverns accessible for future generations.

Text and photos : TK Elevator