Hersheypark: Twisted Twizzler Gravity Attraction

Twizzlers Twisted Gravity is Hersheypark’s newest record-breaking attraction—set to reach 137 feet in height and hit max speeds of 68 MPH, making it the tallest swing ride in the world. This gravity-defying addition has earned the elite designation of “Aggressive Thrill Ride” on the park’s thrill scale, and marks the latest in a series of iconic projects Wickersham delivered for Hersheypark over the last several decades.

This project posed unique challenges due to its central location in the park, with no direct access to the perimeter. Initial work included the demolition of an existing amphitheater and seating on a steep 35-degree rock-faced slope. A 15-foot deep, 24-inch diameter township sewer line was bypassed live and relocated before caisson drilling could begin. Soldier pile and lagging were installed on two sides of the building/pier areas for slope support.

Each leg of the 16′ wide tower structure sits on 18’x13’x19’ piers, resting on 30’x30’x8.5’ pile caps supported by a group of 6′ diameter caissons with 12′ rock sockets. The longest drilled shaft extended 55′ from bottom of socket to drill pad elevation. Caisson concrete was placed via tremie method with water displacement pumped into a combination of dewatering bags and boxes. The finished ride tower axle sits at a whopping 95′ above the ride deck. The Compressor Building foundation consists of a 3′-0″ double mat slab, 2′-2″ thick cast-in-place walls to 19′ AFF and 12“ thick precast planks with a cast-in-place split slab roof with internal drain board. Wickersham played a key role in the project’s success by expertly managing its coordination and logistics.