Delaware Elevator is Proud to Take on the Modernization a One-of-a-Kind Elevator at Grand Coulee Dam

The Grand Coulee Dam elevator modernization was one of the most complex and innovative elevator projects completed by Delaware Elevator. Originally installed in 1941, this unique elevator system serves two critical purposes: vertically transporting dam personnel and visitors and moving massive components used to maintain the dam’s hydroelectric generators.

The project required the team to introduce modern elevator technology while carefully preserving the integrity of a designated historic site. The completed elevator modernization improved safety, efficiency and ease of operation while also bringing the elevator system into compliance with current ASME A17.1, building and International Fire Code requirements.

A Dual-Purpose Elevator Built for Exceptional Loads

The Grand Coulee Dam elevator is unlike a typical passenger or freight elevator. It was designed to accommodate:

• Passenger and standard freight loads of up to 10,000 pounds
• Hydroelectric generator ring gates weighing up to 44,000 pounds
• 11 elevator landings throughout the dam
• Approximately 362 feet of vertical travel

Historically, switching between passenger elevator service and heavy-freight operation required workers to manually add or remove counterweights. This labor-intensive process required significant time and manpower and prevented the elevator from carrying passengers while configured for heavy freight.

Limited technical documentation for the original elevator equipment added another layer of complexity. The project team had to reverse-engineer existing elevator components and determine how to integrate modern vertical systems with elevator equipment dating back more than 80 years.

Overcoming Complex Modernization Challenges

Modernizing the elevator required careful planning, specialized elevator engineering and close collaboration. The elevator was not operational during the initial site survey, limiting the team’s ability to test the existing elevator system and requiring greater reliance on historical records and visual inspections.

The remote location also created logistical challenges, including unpredictable weather, limited local resources and the need to source specialized historic and modern elevator components from around the world.

Delaware Elevator worked alongside Full Circle Group, ECS/VDA, Hilliard Brake, Motion Control Engineering, Vertical Solutions of Spokane and other specialized contributors to develop and install a custom elevator solution for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Custom Elevator Technology Improves Safety and Efficiency

At the center of the elevator modernization is a fully customized control system built on Motion Control Engineering’s iCONTROL platform. The new elevator system manages both passenger and heavy-freight operation using a single fixed counterweight stack, eliminating the time-consuming process of manually changing counterweights.

Advanced drive adjustments and precision controls allow the elevator to safely accommodate its dramatically different operating loads. Passenger elevator service now operates automatically at 100 feet per minute, while a dedicated freight mode operates at a controlled speed of 50 feet per minute.

Additional elevator modernization improvements included:

• Repurposing the original dual machine brakes as emergency sheave brakes
• Completing comprehensive seismic upgrades
• Installing new horizontal and vertical bi-parting elevator doors
• Adding modern door operators
• Replacing the original manual rheostat controls
• Improving overall safety and ease of operation

Preserving History Through Elevator Innovation

The Grand Coulee Dam project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and custom elevator modernization can extend the life of historic equipment without sacrificing safety, performance or operational efficiency.

By combining decades of elevator experience with advanced control technology and industry collaboration, Delaware Elevator helped transform an exceptionally complex system into a safer, more efficient and user-friendly solution built to support the dam’s critical operations for years to come.

Need a Customized Elevator Modernization Solution?

Delaware Elevator provides elevator modernization services designed around the unique needs of each building and system. Contact our team to learn how modern controls, safety upgrades and customized engineering can improve the performance and reliability of your elevator equipment.

This project was originally featured in the March 2026 issue of Elevator World. Article submitted by Delaware Elevator and adapted for this website. Read the full article here.