Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania is home to Steel Force, a popular roller coaster that has been a staple in the park since its opening in 1997. Recently, concerns have been raised about the potential for the coaster to experience sinking issues, prompting an investigation by park officials and engineers.
Brief overview of Steel Force
Steel Force is a steel hypercoaster that stands at 200 feet tall and reaches speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. It features a 205-foot drop and a total track length of 5,600 feet, making it the longest roller coaster on the East Coast.
History of Steel Force
Steel Force was manufactured by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing and was designed by Curtis D. Summers. It opened to the public on May 3, 1997, and quickly became a fan favorite at Dorney Park. The coaster has undergone routine maintenance and inspections over the years to ensure its safety and reliability.
Reports of sinking issues
In recent months, reports have surfaced that Steel Force may be experiencing sinking issues, causing concern among park officials and visitors. The coaster’s foundation was examined, and engineers were called in to investigate the potential cause of the issue.
Investigation process
During the investigation, engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the coaster’s foundation and track. They also used specialized equipment to measure the coaster’s levelness and to detect any signs of sinking.
Findings of the investigation
After the investigation, it was determined that the coaster was not experiencing any sinking issues. The engineers found that the coaster’s foundation was stable and that there were no signs of sinking or movement.
Measures taken to address the issue
Although the coaster was found to be structurally sound, park officials still took measures to address the concerns raised by visitors. They increased the frequency of inspections and maintenance on the coaster and implemented additional safety precautions.
Safety precautions implemented
To ensure the safety of riders, park officials implemented new safety measures, including additional sensors that detect any abnormalities in the coaster’s movement. They also increased the number of maintenance staff assigned to the coaster and provided additional training to ensure that all staff were aware of the new safety procedures.
Reopening of Steel Force
After the investigation and implementation of new safety measures, Steel Force was reopened to the public. The coaster has been running smoothly and without incident since its reopening.
Updated maintenance protocols
As part of the new safety measures, Dorney Park also updated its maintenance protocols for Steel Force. The coaster is now inspected daily, and routine maintenance is conducted on a regular basis to ensure its continued safety and reliability.
Conclusion
While concerns were raised about the potential for Steel Force to experience sinking issues, the coaster was found to be structurally sound after a thorough investigation. Park officials took steps to address the concerns raised by visitors and implemented additional safety measures to ensure the continued safety of riders.
Future plans for Steel Force
Dorney Park has no plans to remove Steel Force from its lineup of rides. Instead, the park will continue to invest in the coaster’s maintenance and safety to ensure its continued operation for years to come.
