Material Delays Stall Courthouse Elevator Upgrade

Shipping problems are forcing a delay in replacing an elevator at the Brooke County, West Virginia, Courthouse, the Herald Star reports. During an October 26 meeting at the courthouse in Wellsburg, West Virginia, Commissioner Stacey Wise said electronic and mechanical parts for the elevator were available but steel and other materials for the elevator cab’s walls and floor have been delayed. She said it seemed best to pursue the project all at once, so the work is being eyed for mid-December. During the meeting, a resident asked if the work could be done during a weekend to minimize inconvenience to the public, noting that many visitors aren’t physically able to take the stairs. Wise said, however, that the work is expected to take up to six weeks, but staff in the county’s departments have agreed to meet with visitors downstairs while the job is underway. Schindler is undertaking the project and will provide new rollers, belts, control boards and other equipment. The project will cost about US$113,500. Wise said that, while the current elevator is reliable, it is more than 40 years old and repair parts have become difficult to source. The new model will be quicker, smoother and quieter, she said.