New support ropes installed for Whirlpool Aero Car
Last replaced in 1984, they span 540 metres across the gorge
When you’re 103 years old, a little surgery is inevitable.
In the case of the Whirlpool Aero Car, one of the oldest tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, it’ll be a major upgrade to the support ropes that have brought millions of people across Niagara Gorge.
Though just one of the six support ropes needed to be replaced, work has been ongoing since January to replace all of them.
“During inspection after the end of (the 2018) season, one was found to be struck by lightning,” says Niagara Parks’ chief executive officer David Adames. “So that had to be replaced, but when we looked at the history of the ropes, they were last replaced in 1984.”
The ropes generally have a 35- to 40-year lifespan. Starting Jan. 7, parks staff, general contractor Doppelmayr and some local subcontractors have undertaken the complex job which sees the support ropes extend about
540 metres across the whirlpool, 76 metres above the water.
“It’s a big job to replace even one rope,” says Adames.
Despite some harsh winter weather in recent weeks, the job has gone “very well, on schedule.”
All six ropes, each weighing 2.4 tonnes, have been replaced and will be recycled. Doppelmayr is also the company providing technical support for the Falls Incline Railway.
On Wednesday, the aero car was placed back on the ropes. The attraction is set to open for its 103rd season April 13, weather permitting.
Designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo
Torres Quevado, the attraction is virtually unchanged since it opened in August 1916, transporting between 1,200 and 1,500 people per day over the gorge for a scenic 10-minute ride.
It was designed similar to a cable car in Mount Ulia in Spain, and has operated without incident since Day 1.
In 1961, owner Blake Robertson installed a system of electromagnetic brakes and a 60-horsepower engine. The attraction was sold to Niagara Parks Commission in 1968.
Prior to this winter, the biggest overhaul was in 1984 when new wheels, cables and electrical circuits were installed. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to make it a year-round ride in 1999 with a new plexiglass enclosure installed, but it was scrapped after one year due to lack of riders.
The name was changed from the Spanish Aero Car to Whirlpool Aero Car in 2004.
It originally cost $120,000 to install. Replacing the support ropes this winter has cost Niagara Parks Commission $700,000.