Nearly five years after Sandy swept a roller coaster off a Jersey Shore amusement pier and into the ocean, the brand-new ride replacing it has been unveiled.
The new Hydrus on the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights is a big change from old Jet Star coaster, which became an icon for the damage caused by Sandy. This one -- custom made in Germany -- is just 30 seconds, but is scarier than the old ride because it goes higher.
The new roller coaster passed state inspection Thursday, and was unveiled alongside a new Ferris wheel.
"It signals we can finally close a chapter on Sandy so Sandy is no longer in our minds," said Casino Pier manager Lou Cirgliano.
Each ride will cost $10 when it opens to the public Friday. Cirgliano says the new rides are stronger and because they're not as far out into the ocean, it's unlikely they could be swept out again.
Next door in Seaside Park, another chapter is being written as new concession stands go up on the boardwalk there. A fire started by Sandy-corroded wiring devastated the boardwalk connection Seaside Heights to Seaside Park, just a year after the storm.
Workers are rushing to rebuild and hope to finish by early summer, to the relief of local residents.
"It's maybe not as crazy as it has been in the Heights but there's been a little more activity than has been here in the last four years," said Seaside Park resident Mark Cropper.
