The Iconic Coney Island Cyclone Has Officially Reopened After A Brief Closure
The breaks were pulled on the Coney Island Cyclone ahead of Labor Day Weekend, but the iconic Luna Park staple is back up and running as of September 7th.
A crack on the chain sprocket caused a pause in service, but according to New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB), the fan-favorite has resumed rides after all necessary repairs were made and the ride passed an inspection. Additionally, leading up to the reopening, test rides were made without passengers.
“We are incredibly honored to preserve the legacy of the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster and offer memorable experiences on this historic coaster, year after year. This American icon has captivated guests for nearly a century, and our dedicated team and attraction engineers continue to ensure that this legendary 97-year-old landmark continues to operate safely and smoothly,” Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International, Inc., said in a statement.
Why did the Coney Island Cyclone stop service?
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Coney Island Cyclone was put out of service due to a crack in a chain sprocket within the ride’s motor room, according to the DOB. The ride operator at the time had stopped the coaster mid-ascent to riders’ dismay, as passengers had to evacuate the cars to reach safety. Luckily, no passengers were injured.
At the time of the shutdown, Luna Park faced two violations according to the DOB. The first was for not properly maintaining the ride. The second was for failing to immediately alert the city of the damage. Reps for the Coney Island attraction told us:
At Luna Park in Coney Island, safety is our number one priority and ride maintenance, and thorough testing happens daily before Luna Park opens and throughout the day as necessary. The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily. NYC’s Department of Buildings (DOB) inspected and cleared the ride to open on August 21, 2024. The Coney Island Cyclone is temporarily closed due to a mechanical problem that developed on August 22, 2024, and is currently undergoing repairs. We will reopen the Cyclone roller coaster when the repair is complete, and the ride passes its DOB inspection.
Was this the first technical issue on the ride?
This incident is not the first technical issue the Coney Island Cyclone has experienced in its nearly century-old history. The ride actually stalled in 2015 when cold temperatures caused the transmission belt slipped off the drum. The coaster was back and chugging the following weekend.
How old is the Coney Island Cyclone?
The Coney Island Cyclone, the prize ride at Luna Park, debuted on June 26th, 1927. That makes the wooden roller coaster 97 years old.
The post The Iconic Coney Island Cyclone Has Officially Reopened After A Brief Closure appeared first on Secret NYC.