The Goldbelt Tram in Juneau, Alaska, will remain closed indefinitely as it undergoes essential repairs and safety inspections following an incident that occurred on April 30, resulting in injuries to two tram employees. The closure of this popular attraction has disappointed many visitors and locals alike, who had anticipated its reopening on May 24. However, as officials have confirmed, no new opening date has been established.
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The incident that led to the tram’s shutdown involved five employees riding the tram car, which approached the base station too quickly, resulting in an abrupt halt. Although only two of the employees required hospital treatment for minor injuries, the response from local emergency services highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Capital City Fire/Rescue Chief Tom Hatley described the event as an unexpected stop, which prompted the need for medical attention.
McHugh Pierre, President and CEO of Goldbelt Inc., addressed the situation in an interview with the local outlet KTOO. He emphasised that safety is the primary concern and reiterated that operations will not resume until the tram has been certified as safe for public use. “There is no date set to open until we are certified safe to operate. We don’t know when that date will be,” he informed KTOO. Pierre also assured the community that they aim to reopen the tram this year, insisting that the current situation does not signify a complete loss of the tourist season.
As part of the necessary precautions, Goldbelt Tram plans to remove the tram cars from the cables. Pierre explained that the cars will undergo thorough repairs and inspections before being reinstated for public use. This process aims to ensure that all safety standards are met prior to the tram’s reopening.
In light of the closure, Goldbelt Tram has taken steps to accommodate customers who had purchased season passes for the 2023 season. In a statement on their Facebook page on May 20, the company announced that refunds would be issued to those customers, although they will still be able to use their passes once operations recommence. The company expressed gratitude to its customers and highlighted its commitment to visitor satisfaction during this challenging period.
While the tram itself is temporarily out of commission, the Lower Terminal remains open and operational. Visitors can still enjoy a range of amenities, including Raven About Coffee, cultural experiences, shopping, and various visitor services. This effort to maintain some level of visitor engagement has been welcomed by the local community.
Opened in 1996, the Goldbelt Tram is a significant draw for cruise ship tourists passing through Juneau. The tram offers a scenic six-minute ride up Mount Roberts, reaching an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet. At the summit, guests can enjoy a restaurant, a theatre, and shops, as well as access to trails that wind both up and down the mountain.
Comprising 60-passenger cabins, the tram can accommodate up to 1,050 riders per hour and travels at a maximum speed of 2,000 feet per minute, making it a highly efficient mode of exploring the stunning Alaskan landscape. As the situation develops, many are hopeful that the tram can resume operations soon, allowing visitors to once again experience one of Alaska’s most treasured attractions.
Goldbelt Tram has yet to respond to requests for further comments concerning the ongoing situation. The community and visitors alike will be watching closely for updates on the tram’s status, as well as the timeline for both repairs and the eventual reopening.