The city council of Santander has commenced comprehensive renovation works on the mechanical escalators at Río de la Pila, starting with the removal of the existing structures. This project, which has a budget of €588,643, involves replacing the four mechanical elements that help navigate the approximately 18-metre elevation between the lower part of Río de la Pila and the lower station of the funicular.
The initial phase focuses on dismantling and removing the current escalators, a process that requires heavy cranes and special trucks to transport the removed elements. These operations will temporarily affect traffic, leading to a complete closure of Río de la Pila street, the occupation of parking spaces, and the provisional removal of bollards in the curve area to facilitate the manoeuvring of heavy vehicles.
Additionally, trucks will access the site from Santa Lucía street, performing reverse manoeuvres against the usual flow until they reach the plaza of Río de la Pila, which may cause occasional traffic restrictions during their entry and exit. The removal work is expected to conclude on Thursday, although it may extend into Friday, 13 November.
Once the removal operations are completed, the areas occupied by machinery will be cleared, leaving only the perimeter fencing around the escalators for safety reasons. Following this initial phase, the installation of the new equipment, specifically designed to fit the current route's characteristics and dimensions, will take place.
This project aims to modernise this pedestrian mobility axis, enhance accessibility, and provide a more reliable and safe service for residents and visitors who regularly use these escalators to move between different areas of the neighbourhood. The new installations will feature updated technologies and safety systems compliant with current regulations, as well as materials and components designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
Moreover, the design of the new equipment will optimise the existing spaces and minimise the auxiliary work required for installation, aiming to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment. This initiative is part of the municipal contract for the comprehensive maintenance of vertical transport elements and outdoor facilities, awarded to TK Elevadores España, which includes a total investment of €1.29 million for the renewal of the mechanical routes at Río de la Pila and Calle Alceda.
Notably, the replacement of six mechanical escalators at Alceda began on 15 October, with an investment of €701,788. Together, these projects will renew ten mechanical elements that facilitate daily movement in two areas of Santander known for their steep gradients. In the case of Río de la Pila, the project exclusively affects the mechanical escalators, leaving the funicular unaffected by this intervention.
The city council expresses gratitude for the cooperation and understanding of residents, merchants, and users regarding the temporary inconveniences caused by the works.
