Construction crews reached 200 feet above Orlando’s International Drive on Monday.
Why?
The 80,000-pound hub of the Orlando Eye was lifted into place. With the center axle now installed, crews can begin assembly of the 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel’s spokes that will eventually extend to hold the passenger cabins.
Currently, the wheel’s supports stand at about 200 feet.
The hub weighs the same amount as a Boeing 737 aircraft. A Terex 600-ton mega wing mobile crane will now aid in the Orlando Eye’s construction.
Designed by Switzerland-based Intamin, the hub made the transatlantic journey to the U.S. last week. Intamin is also the designer of Busch Gardens Tampa’s highly anticipated Falcons Fury.
The 300-foot-tall drop tower attraction is slated to open later this summer, following a lengthy construction and testing phase.
The Orlando Eye is scheduled to open spring 2015.
