Major renovations to escalators

After months of planning, the replacement of 17 of the 18 escalators in the Hall Building, which opened in 1966, will begin in the final months of 2010.

Funded by Quebec’s infrastructure program, this $12-million project will last two years and will be completed in phases.

A request for proposals was issued and interested companies will respond by September 22. At that time, submissions will be examined and evaluated on both cost and technology. The mode of installation, dependant on selected technology, will have a tremendous impact on building activity.

The newest technology allows for escalators to be installed by assembling pieces on site while traditional technology only permits installation of large modules (entire escalators). With the older technology, building access would involve removal of part of the building facade. The evaluation of cost over possible disruptions to building activity will determine which technology is selected.

Jean Pelland, Director of Project Management in Facilities Management, is pleased with progress made during the last few months on the escalators replacement project. He is excited to put the era of escalator-related complaints behind us. A communication team will ensure the Concordia community is kept up to speed on this project.

More details will appear in the Concordia Journal on September 27.