We step on it and though it travels in a never ending circle, it takes us from point to point.

Escalators are similar to a bridge. They span the distance from floor to floor much like a bridge will span the distance from support to support. The bridge structure is called a “truss”. The truss is made of steel shapes that form a crate like structure. The truss is engineered to withstand all the forces imposed upon it. It has top and bottom bearing points where the truss is connected to the building. There are flat sections at the top and bottom of the truss that are connected by an angled section that forms the incline of the escalator.

Within the truss structure is a remarkable machine that has an endless loop of stair treads that act much like a chain. The stair treads ride on two sets of wheels that fit in two pair of tracks. The path followed by the two pairs of tracks allows the stair treads to magically rise when they are needed and then magically fall when they are not.

Traveling along at the same speed as the steps is also an endless loop of handrail. Formed into a shape that is easy to grip, the handrail rides atop the balustrade of the escalator. The balustrade can be made of several different types of materials, but the most common is metal. Glass balustrades are available.

Repairs and maintenance are completed by accessing the truss area and all the machinery through floor plates found at the top and bottom of the escalator.

Escalators move people efficiently between floors and in the case of moving walkways over long distances.

Escalator pricing is highly dependent on the distance required to travel, the amount of rise and the various appearance options available.

According to RSMeans’ Building Construction Cost Data, 2009, the in place cost for an escalator can range from $137,000 to over $200,000 depending on floor to floor height, width and finishes.