Ground-level construction near security entrance at Magic Kingdom

[WDWtraveler]

Before the main security bag check entrance to the Magic Kingdom plaza, construction crews have dug into the flower beds on either side, and removed pavement at the left side near the security bag check. These are the flower beds on either side that display holiday themed decorations. Not sure if this is just underground repairs, or a security addition/upgrade. Doesn't impede traffic, but it is noticeable with the low construction walls. The larger of the two construction areas is on the left, shown below. The right side is within the flower bed fence boundary.

Both areas are mostly under the monorail beams, as shown by the shadows below.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I'm worried this might be the beginning of permanent metal detector stations, but maybe it's just walkway widening.

 

[roj2323]

There were open trenches under the monorail track on Friday evening (now buried per the above photos) so I'd venture to guess it's some sort of underground work. I didn't see any new electrical conduit if it matters.

 

[danlb_2000]

There were open trenches under the monorail track on Friday evening (now buried per the above photos) so I'd venture to guess it's some sort of underground work. I didn't see any new electrical conduit if it matters.

Of this was going to be for metal detectors I would think we would see some conduits sticking out of the ground.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

A bit confused....

Why would WDW need two back-to-back security check zones? Just me.... but if the first zone did the job - why would the SECOND zone be there?

 

[Glasgow]

DVC Kiosk?

 

[Bolt]

A bit confused....

Why would WDW need two back-to-back security check zones? Just me.... but if the first zone did the job - why would the SECOND zone be there?

Ever seen how crowded it gets there in the morning? Backs up all directions

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

The entrance at MK needs all the space it can get.

Side note, I was impressed by Universal's bag check/metal detector set up when I last went. They had half of the circle atrium with them set up, some even earlier. Absolutely no wait.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Does this have anything to do with the monorail evacuation stairs being put in at all the stations?

 

[roj2323]

Does this have anything to do with the monorail evacuation stairs being put in at all the stations?

nope. They are some 150* ft away. The cuts into the ramps have already been made and the concrete repoured.

 

[Tom]

Almost looks as if they're going to widen that main entry plaza, which should have happened years ago.

But the odd cut into the existing pathway implies that they are indeed installing something underground, at least to the extent of the cut-up concrete. Could be for metal detectors, with guests being diverted far left or right before, or instead of, bag check.

 

[roj2323]

As I suspected they were simply doing some underground work.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

There are some water fountains in this area at the end of the monorail exit ramp that often seemed clogged up with standing water during the past few years. They didn't seem to be draining properly, I wonder if this work had anything to do with that (perhaps a broken underground drain pipe was in need of repair).

 

[twilight mitsuk]

if electrical the addidtional power would flow to the bag check

BTW, could that construction under the Epcot monorail station be for metal detectors too?

 

[roj2323]

if electrical the addidtional power would flow to the bag check

BTW, could that construction under the Epcot monorail station be for metal detectors too?

No that was osha mandated safety upgrades. They are installing emergency exit stairwells.

 

[twilight mitsuk]

They could be doing both at the same time

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

GPMG pits, ready to repel unwanted guests that try to over run evening magic events

 

[raven]

I know that this particular area had a problem with a water pipe a few years ago. Maybe they are finally getting to it now.

 

[WDWtraveler]

As I suspected they were simply doing some underground work.

Photo update as of Sunday, April 17. As @roj2323 stated above, it appears a drain was installed, along with a ground level electrical junction box. The new curbing and pavement rebar, along with the existing iron fence, suggest the entry plaza opening will be the same size as before.

 

[twilight mitsuk]

Is SDL going to have metal detectors at opening and when are the detectors are going to be installed at WDW?