Palm Springs Tramway to temporarily close next week for annual maintenance

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will temporarily close for annual preventive maintenance work starting next week.

``During this year's shutdown, we will be repainting tramcar cabin interiors and rebuilding the carriage on cabin two, which supports the cabin as it rides on the track ropes,'' vice president of Tramway systems Chris Bartsch said in a statement. ``Annual state-permit testing will be conducted, and our Switzerland-based technicians will be performing annual service to the controls system.''

The facility will be closed from Sept. 8 through Oct. 4, with a tentative reopening date of Oct. 5, officials said.

The last day to ride the tram before its closure will be Monday.

``Each year, the tramway's annual preventative maintenance closure gives our maintenance team the dedicated time needed to complete important projects that cannot be performed during regular business hours. This work helps ensure the continued safety, reliability and enjoyment of the tramway and all our guests,'' the Tramway's general manager Nancy Nichols said.