After viewing the shiny, new replacement stairwells at the Dadeland Station, one would never guess the shoddy, unsafe state of the previous structure.  Previously painted for corrosion protection, the old stairway system was completely corroded and in need of a total safety and aesthetic makeover after just ten years.  

Seeing the successful durability of hot-dip galvanized steel in other Metro Station stairways, the specifiers chose to implement a similar use of the corrosion protection system in the Dadeland Station replacement.  After galvanizing 150 tons of structural steel, hand rails, platforms, and stringers, the stairwell is now standing strong with an attractive zinc finish.

To avoid a failure similar to the previous painted structure, the station is now looking to the maintenance-free corrosion protection of hot-dip galvanized steel.  Safety is tantamount when you have scores of pedestrian traffic ascending and descending the stairs daily, and corrosion can compromise not only the look of the structure, but, more importantly, the stability.  Galvanized steel will stand up to the daily rigors and abrasions of a busy station, while defending against the ravages of corrosion for 75+ years.

The timing of the station stairwell replacement was crucial as the above shopping center remained open to business, the fire marshal ordered only one stairway at a time could be out of commission.  The quick turnaround of the galvanizing process, which can be conducted regardless of weather or season, was critical.  The stairways were prefabricated, then quickly hot-dip galvanized, reducing turnaround time to a minimum.  As a result, the old, deteriorating stairwells were quickly replaced with the sturdy new galvanized steel structures, which are an important contribution to the attractive, modern façade of the Dadeland station.