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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Officials in Colombia's second-largest city on Monday inaugurated a giant, outdoor escalator for residents of one of its poorest neighborhoods.
For generations, the 12,000 residents of Medellin's tough Comuna 13, which clings to the side of a steep hillside, have had to climb hundreds of large steps authorities say is the same as going up a 28-story building.
Frankly, I don't think that was a good idea. That kind of escalator breaks down way too often, even in much less demanding environments than Colombia.
Maintenance service contractors will be happy
I find it pretty interesting though, because they do already have the metrocable that goes up to the top. Will this be much different? Is it going to be just one giant escalator to the top or will they be able to get off it along the way?
I find it pretty interesting though, because they do already have the metrocable that goes up to the top. Will this be much different? Is it going to be just one giant escalator to the top or will they be able to get off it along the way?
Hong Kong has several hillside escalators which look similar to the Medellin escalators. They have been in operation for years, and Hong Kong has a more severe tropical climate than Medellin. Medellin has the mildest climate on earth, where every day is a high temp of about 80F and a low of about 60F. I think these escalators will get decades of good use if they are anything like Hong Kong.
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator system in Hong Kong is twice longer than the Medellin one (half a mile long) and it has been around for almost two decades. Some parts are covered, some are not, and it's beautifully maintained.
PS: Ah, recycled, didn't see your comment when I typed mine. Great minds and all that.
Last edited by Ol' Wanderer; 12-29-2011 at 08:08 PM..
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