{"product_id":"ibiza-s-first-public-escalators-are-installed-in-puig-des-molins","title":"Ibiza’s First Public Escalators Are Installed in Puig des Molins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIbiza Town’s first public outdoor escalators have now been installed in the Puig des Molins neighbourhood, marking a major step forward in a project that residents have been waiting years to see completed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe three escalator sections were installed on Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez, replacing the steep conventional staircase connecting the lower part of the street with Calle Arxiduc Lluís Salvador.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, the installation does not yet mean the escalators are open to the public. The latest reliable update said final electrical and finishing work was still being completed, followed by the connection and activation of the electrical system and the necessary commissioning before the equipment can enter service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo official public opening date has been confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstallation Completed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIbiza Town Hall confirmed that the physical installation was completed on September 15.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project involves three outdoor escalator sections covering a steep pedestrian route in Puig des Molins. The new system is designed to make the climb considerably easier for residents and visitors using the connection between the lower and upper parts of the neighbourhood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe installation is described by the municipality as the first public escalator system in Ibiza Town.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Escalators Replace a Steep Route\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project addresses a particularly difficult section of Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe route covers approximately 42.18 metres and has a gradient of around 24.4 percent. Previously, pedestrians had to use a conventional staircase divided into several sections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe new installation is intended to improve accessibility, particularly for older residents and people who have difficulty negotiating the steep climb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt will also improve pedestrian connections towards the Puig des Molins archaeological museum, the archaeological site and the route towards Figueretes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree Sections Designed for Outdoor Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach escalator has been designed for permanent outdoor installation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project specifications provide for a one-metre clear width and an operating speed of 0.5 metres per second. The three sections have a combined theoretical capacity of up to 6,000 people per hour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe installation uses materials and components designed for exposure to the elements, including aluminium steps, safety glass balustrades, rubber handrails and stainless-steel elements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA conventional staircase is also being constructed alongside the escalators as part of the project.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy They Are Not Open Yet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough the escalators are now physically installed, several steps remain before they can carry passengers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe latest detailed report, published on September 17, said the second handrail and remaining electrical cabling were due to be completed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce the electrical work is finished, Endesa must activate the electrical connection. The installation then needs to complete the necessary testing and commissioning procedures before entering public service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat means the presence of the finished escalator structures on the street should not be interpreted as the start of public operation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs of September 19, no reliable source reviewed for this update has announced a definitive opening date.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree Security Cameras Will Monitor the Installation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe completed installation will also be monitored by three security cameras.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccording to the contractor responsible for the works, the cameras are intended to provide continuous surveillance and help detect incidents or vandalism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe monitoring system is part of the final installation planned for the new infrastructure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraffic Has Already Returned\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile pedestrians are still waiting for the escalators to become operational, vehicle access in the surrounding area has already returned to normal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalle Arxiduc Lluís Salvador was temporarily affected by the installation works, but traffic was restored on September 16 at the junction with Via Romana.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis means the major disruption associated with the installation itself has now passed, even though the escalators remain in the final preparation stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Project Years in the Making\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe escalators are the result of a project that has been discussed in Ibiza Town for years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe proposal emerged from the city’s citizen participation processes in 2018, following calls for a solution to the steep pedestrian connection in Puig des Molins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original project was more extensive, but was subsequently reduced after the cost and technical implications of relocating a medium-voltage electricity line became an issue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current project focuses on the section that could be developed without carrying out that major infrastructure relocation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlmost €1 Million\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe works were awarded to Vilor Infraestructuras S.L.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe official awarded contract is €785,785 before VAT, equivalent to €950,799.85 including VAT. The original tender budget was €1,001,372.18 including VAT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project is financed through the Balearic Islands’ Sustainable Tourism Tax programme.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Challenge Beneath the Street\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe work has involved considerably more than simply installing escalators.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore the equipment could be placed, contractors had to deal with existing underground infrastructure, including sewerage, rainwater drainage, drinking water, public lighting, electricity and gas networks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe excavation also had to be carefully managed because of the surrounding buildings and retaining walls.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe proximity of the Puig des Molins archaeological area added another consideration, with the works carried out with the possibility of archaeological remains in mind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the Residents of Puig des Molins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project has a direct impact on the neighbourhood, where approximately 2,277 people are officially registered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResidents have spent years using the existing steep staircase, with older people and those with reduced mobility particularly affected by the climb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocal residents interviewed following the installation described the project as an important improvement and said they were looking forward to finally seeing the escalators operating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA New Pedestrian Connection for Ibiza\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce operational, the escalators will provide an alternative to the existing staircase and create an easier pedestrian connection through Puig des Molins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe municipality also expects the project to benefit people visiting cultural and archaeological attractions in the area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe intervention therefore has both a local accessibility purpose and a wider role in improving pedestrian movement around one of the historic parts of Ibiza Town.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStill Waiting for the Switch-On\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe physical installation is now complete, but the project has not yet reached its final stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectrical works, connection, testing and commissioning still stand between the newly installed escalators and their first public journey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor residents of Puig des Molins who have been waiting years for a solution to the steep climb, the finish line is now considerably closer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut until the electrical system is activated and the installation is officially commissioned, Ibiza’s first public outdoor escalators remain installed rather than operational.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ibiza One Stop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55074191835479,"sku":null,"price":1.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0830\/5567\/3687\/files\/IbizaInstallsItsFirstPublicEscalatorsinPuigdesMolins.jpg?v=1789813604","url":"https:\/\/ibizaonestop.com\/de\/products\/ibiza-s-first-public-escalators-are-installed-in-puig-des-molins","provider":"Ibiza One Stop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}