The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, that sweet savior of the hill-averse, is set to undergo a large-scale renovation, starting in phases from March, EJ Insight reports.
The makeover — projected to cost about HK$128 million (US$16 million) and take four years — is the first-such overhaul since the 800-meter-long landmark of modern convenience was inaugurated 24 years ago, the outlet wrote.
Many components of the escalator-walkway system — the largest outdoor covered escalator system in the world — are getting too old, making finding spares costly, according to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD).
The system — which links the Central business district to residential areas in the Mid-Levels though a network of escalators and moving walkways — has exceeded its service life, reported EJ Insight, citing government documents.
As such, the upgrade will include the replacement of all of its 16 reversible one-way escalators and three moving walkways, which are used by about 78,000 people each day.
The new system will include an energy-saving function, meaning they only move when sensors detect people.
The work will be undertaken in 11 phases, covering different sections of the system, starting from the Mid-Levels and working down.
Advance warning will be given prior to each segment’s suspension for between four and five months for the upgrades.
The first phase, beginning March 1, will include the section between Conduit Road and Robinson Road.
And, well, while we’re at it, seems fit to mention that 2018 marks the humble escalator’s 125th birthday.
Invented by Jesse W. Reno and patented on March 15, 1892, the first one was installed at Old Iron Pier at Coney Island in New York City in 1893.
Then, like now, escalators are best approached sensibly. That, as you well know, has not always been the case.
Though, like an endless moving staircase, internet videos of people failing on escalators will never stop, we feel this one captures best the stupidity of, and humiliation deserved by, people who aren’t content with using escalators normally.
Happy Birthday escalators!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4BL_x0kX9k
