The Mayor’s Office of Medellín, through the Ministry of Mobility, will begin maintenance of the escalator system in the 13-San Javier commune, located in the Las Independencias 1 and 2 neighborhoods. The work will begin in November 2025 and will extend until mid-2026.
After 13 years of continuous operation and daily use of around 16 hours, the escalators have successfully fulfilled their function as a mobility system and tourist attraction. With preventive maintenance, the main components will be renewed to ensure efficiency, safety and continuity of service.
“We know the importance of these stairs for the community and for tourism. Therefore, the interventions will be carried out in stages and with partial closures, always allowing pedestrian circulation through the adjacent physical stairs. Our commitment is to maintain in optimal conditions this work that represents the pride and resilience of commune 13,” stated the Secretary of Mobility, Pablo Ruiz.
Photo: Mayor’s Office of Medellín.
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The maintenance will be carried out in two stages. The first, at the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026, includes inspection of engines, reducers, oil change and installation of side enclosures to avoid accumulation of garbage. In addition, location improvements will be carried out, such as work on the slope under section 6, construction of a drainage box on the viaduct and adjustments in the same section.
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The second stage, scheduled for 2026, includes changing the step chain and handrail traction, replacement of bearings, wheels, safety switches and maintenance of the metal structure.
This project, initially conceived as a mobility solution for the inhabitants of the sector, has become a tourist icon, visited daily by more than 10,000 people and benefiting more than 12,000 residents.
Photo: Mayor’s Office of Medellín.
The Ministry of Mobility appreciates the understanding of the community and tourists for possible inconveniences during the work, which are necessary to guarantee the safety and proper functioning of this emblematic infrastructure of Medellín.