News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $2 Million Contract for Modernization of Elevators at Glen Canyon Dam

Media Contact: Chris Watt , (801) 524-3822, 09/14/2015 10:17
Amee Andreason , aandreason@usbr.gov

For Release: September 14, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded Armstrong Elevator Company of Florida on September 4 with a $2 million contract to modernize six passenger elevators at Glen Canyon Dam and Powerplant near Page, Arizona.

“Modernizing these elevators shows our commitment toward making old infrastructure upgrades and public safety improvements,” said Commissioner Estevan López. “No job is too small; these upgrades will help us meet modern-day code compliance, enhance equipment reliability, efficiency and performance, and create a better visitor experience through improved pedestrian traffic flow and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.”

Not only are these elevators original to the facility, but the controls that were modernized in the mid-1980s are now obsolete. The mechanical parts of the elevators need refurbishing, system ancillary equipment (such as door opening mechanisms) has reached the end of its service life and the elevators do not meet ADA compliance.

"Updating our buildings and equipment that have old technology is a critical element that will reduce the risk of failure to the mechanical components," Upper Colorado Regional Director Brent Rhees said.

Improvements will affect the two elevators that connect the Glen Canyon Dam Carl Hayden Visitor Center with the top of the dam, also the two elevators that connect the top of the dam with the powerhouse and the two elevators that connect the floors in the powerhouse. These elevators are used by Reclamation employees and the public.

The motor drives, elevator controls and hoist equipment will be replaced on all six elevators. All wire ropes, traveling cables that connect the elevator car to sources of electrical power, communication and the main controllers, are to be replaced. Guide rails are to be checked for straightness and the roller guides rebuilt. Elevator call panels and floor indicators are to be replaced and some items moved to provide ADA compliance. All door equipment is to be replaced, and car lighting and emergency lighting are to be modernized.

The work will be performed within the next year with the goal of completing the modernization by fall 2016.

For more information about Glen Canyon Dam and Powerplant, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/crsp/gc/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.