The Seaside Heights roller coaster, that was left sitting on the ocean floor following Hurricane Sandy, will finally be removed. Work to disassemble and remove the submerged Jet Star is expected to begin in the next week to 10 days, NJ.com reports today (Thursday).
The owners of the Casino Pier, where the roller cast sat until Oct. 29 when Sandy dropped it into the Atlantic, recently awarded a contract for its removal. Donjon Marine Co. a New Jersey-based company specializing in dredging and marine salvaging has reportedly been awarded the contract for an unspecified amount. The work will reportedly require a 350 ton water-borne crane that will be used to remove the submerged coaster.
Seaside Heights boardwalk work begins nearly 4 months post-Sandy (Video)
The Jet Star is sitting just off the shore of Seaside Heights -- a town devastated by Hurricane Sandy. At one time the borough's mayor suggested the roller coaster remain submerged as a sort of tourist attraction. After outcry from the public and area residents that idea was quickly tabled over fears of injury, lawsuits, and environmental concerns. Several weeks later those fears were realized when a daredevil took a boat to the coaster, climbed up it to raise a flag, and was promptly arrested on his descent.
It's unknown how long it will take to completely remove what's become an iconic symbol of Sandy. However, the hope is the new Seaside Heights boardwalk will be complete and the roller coaster gone by the time tourists flock to the Jersey shore for Memorial Day weekend.
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