Secondary elevators now open at Carlsbad Caverns after cable repalacement

The secondary elevators are back in service at Carlsbad Caverns National Park thanks to a cable replacement.

The secondary elevators have been out of service since March 26 when one of cars got stuck 740 feet below the surface trapping three tourists because of a worn traveling cable. Those visitors were safely rescued by the Carlsbad Fire Department and National Park Service rangers.

“We are pleased to return elevator service into and out of the cavern,” Acting Superintendent Juan Gomez said. “Ensuring safe elevators for our visitors and staff is paramount.”

The secondary elevators are part of two separate elevator systems at the park. The first elevator system was installed in 1955 and went out of service in Nov. 2015 when a six-inch motor shaft unexpectedly sheared off. Those elevators are expected to open back up by the end of May. The secondary elevators have been providing all park elevator service as the primary elevators are worked on.