chevron-down chevron-with-circle-right cross magnifying-glass plus home4 bed city pencil-ruler pencil-ruler2 compass drop2 cog wrench hammer-wrench shovel factory2 clipboard-text register license2 library2 user-plus users2 cart-full new-tab lamp cord chart-settings balance briefcase ship2 golf2 file-charts magnifier cross2 plus2 chevron-down2 rulers
Coastal Engineering Company of Orleans Cape Cod
June 16, 2020

Construction Has Begun on Pilgrim Monument Inclined Elevator

The elevator will shuttle people from Bradford Street up High Pole Hill to the monument.

Bradford Access Project Has Begun

"We are making a long-lasting improvement to the Monument grounds that will benefit all who visit in the years to come," said K. David Weidner, the museum’s executive director.

Called the “Bradford Access Project,” the elevator will start near the Bas Relief off Bradford Street and run up the hill to the foot of the monument. The project will extend PMPM’s front door down to Bradford Street and create ADA access to the base of the Pilgrim Monument. 

“The Bradford Access Project will create deep connections,” Weidner said. “It represents some of the key ideals and values that have proudly become synonymous with Provincetown: All are welcome. Everyone is included.”

The project is better known in town as the funicular, which, although more fun to say, isn’t technically correct, Weidner said. The elevator uses a cab on a cable system to shepherd a handful of people up and down the hill. A funicular has a conductor to operate the trips.

The elevator will be automated, much like a regular elevator, only this one will be outside. The ride up the hill will take about two minutes and offer views over the town.

“The inclined elevator will improve physical access from PMPM to Bradford Street and Commercial Street,” the museum wrote on its website. “It will provide a safe and simple way to get to the streets that will connect visitors with the shops, restaurants, wharf areas, Town Hall and other important landmarks in Provincetown.”

The project is expected to be completed by early 2021, pending construction restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The news about the start of Bradford Access Project construction was reported by the Associated Press, one of the largest news agencies in the world. Their article was picked up a myriad of outlets, including U.S. News and World Report, NBC Boston, NECN and the print edition of Sunday's Boston Globe. This is in addition to local coverage in the Provincetown Banner, Provincetown Independent, the Cape Cod Times, CapeCod.com and Cape & Plymouth Business. Project communications firm is Athena-Metis.