Fury 325 Roller Coaster: Carowinds Reveals Repair Plans for Massive Support Beam Crack

Carowinds, the popular amusement park in Charlotte, has revealed its plans to repair the Fury 325 roller coaster after a significant crack was discovered in one of its support beams. The park’s maintenance team, along with ride maker Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers Inc. (B&M), have been inspecting the ride since July 1 and determined that the beam fractured along a weld line in the steel support column.

In a statement provided to Channel 9, Carowinds announced that they are working with B&M to remove and replace the damaged column. The new column is expected to be delivered next week. Following the replacement, the park representatives stated that they will conduct extensive testing on the roller coaster to ensure its safety. This will include an accelerometer test that uses sensors to measure any variation in the ride experience. Additionally, the ride will be operated for 500 full cycles, with tests and inspections performed throughout that period. Once this phase is completed, B&M and a third-party testing firm will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the ride exceeds all required specifications.

Carowinds emphasized B&M’s impeccable reputation as a ride manufacturer, known for its quality and engineering. The park also highlighted that rides like the Fury are designed with redundancies in place to ensure guest safety in the event of an issue.

To further enhance safety measures, Carowinds plans to implement additional inspection procedures, including the use of drone cameras to inspect hard-to-reach areas.

The news of the crack in the support beam has raised concerns among park-goers. Courtney Brumagin, a Carowinds season passholder, expressed her worries, stating that her husband and daughter had ridden the Fury 325 just days before the crack was discovered. However, she found reassurance in the park’s explanation of the repair process and believes it may convince some of her family members to ride the refurbished roller coaster once it reopens.

Carowinds reiterated its commitment to the safety of guests and associates, stating that once the new support column is in place and all testing and inspections are completed, they will work with the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau to prepare the Fury 325 for reopening. The park will provide an update on the reopening date once it has been finalized.

The closure of the Fury 325 has undoubtedly disappointed thrill-seekers, but Carowinds’ proactive approach to repairing and ensuring the safety of the roller coaster demonstrates their dedication to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

How is an accelerometer test used to measure the forces exerted on the Fury 325 roller coaster during operation?

T to measure the forces exerted on the ride during operation.

The crack in the support beam was discovered during a routine maintenance inspection on July 1. Carowinds immediately closed the Fury 325 roller coaster for further examination. B&M, the ride’s manufacturer, was called in to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairs.

After a thorough inspection, it was determined that the crack occurred along a weld line in the steel support column. This type of maintenance issue is not uncommon in amusement park rides, as they endure extreme forces and vibrations during operation. However, Carowinds takes the safety of its guests very seriously and quickly took action to address the problem.

Carowinds has been working closely with B&M in developing a plan to repair the damaged support beam. The park announced that the damaged column will be removed and replaced with a new one, which is expected to be delivered next week. The replacement process will be closely monitored by both Carowinds’ maintenance team and B&M engineers to ensure that it is done correctly and safely.

Following the replacement of the support beam, extensive testing will be conducted on the Fury 325 roller coaster. This will include an accelerometer test, which measures and evaluates the forces exerted on the ride during operation. These tests are essential to guarantee the ride’s safety and ensure that it meets or exceeds industry standards.

Carowinds wants to assure its visitors that their safety is their top priority. The park will take all necessary measures to ensure that the Fury 325 roller coaster is repaired and thoroughly tested before reopening. By working closely with B&M, a trusted and experienced ride manufacturer, Carowinds aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all its guests.

In the meantime, Carowinds continues to operate its other attractions and offers a wide range of entertainment options for visitors to enjoy. The park remains committed to maintaining a high standard of safety and will keep guests informed of any updates regarding the reopening of the Fury 325 roller coaster.