Jan. 12--Navy Pier will shut down for two days next week as crews bring the new Ferris wheel on site to begin construction.
The tourist attraction will be closed to the public Jan. 19-20, Navy Pier officials said.
Portions of the Ferris wheel's frame are being delivered from overseas via boat, train and truck. Much of the construction is scheduled for Jan. 19, when crews will assemble the wheel's six legs. Each leg is about 120 feet long and weighs more than 36,000 pounds. Crews then are expected to attach the 104-foot-high center hub -- also more than 36,000 pounds -- to the legs.
The attraction is being closed to visitors during those days for safety reasons.
The new wheel will be nearly 200 feet high -- 50 feet higher than its predecessor -- and is expected to be completed by the summer. It also will operate year-round with enclosed temperature-controlled gondolas and will hold 180 more riders.
Navy Pier officials say the old Ferris wheel provided nearly 17 million rides during its 20 years of operation. It was dismantled in October.
cdrhodes@tribpub.com
