Second Coaster Approved For Six Flags Great America

Gurnee, IL -- A height variance for a second roller coaster at Six Flags Great America was unanimously approved by the Gurnee Village Planning Board. The variance allows for a roller coaster to be built to a height of approximately 185-feet.

The second new roller coaster to be built for 2001 will be an LIM-launched suspended shuttle coaster. According to the public relations office the new coaster will use linear induction motors to accelerate the trains from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

Riders seated in a 28-passenger train suspended from the track will be launched from the station towards a 185-foot vertical spiral spike. Upon reaching the top the train will then reverse directions and proceed backwards through the station towards another 185-foot vertical spike on the opposite end.

The new coaster is believed to be a clone of the Superman Ultimate Escape roller coaster built at Six Flags Ohio last year by Intamin. The two new coasters will give Six Flags Great America a total of 12 roller coasters in 2001.

This new attraction will be located in the location of the Whirligig ride, which will be relocated in the park. The other new roller coaster will be located where the Sky Whirl operated.

The park has already begun to demolish the structures and remove the rides on the sites for the new attractions. Vertical construction is expected to begin in a month and the park is expected to make an official announcement in early 2001.