The “Capital Wheel” is now at National Harbor. The giant Ferris Wheel arrived in pieces by barge on Tuesday. Prince George’s County Bureau reporter Zachary Kiesch was there as the 300 passenger ride arrived. He takes a look at the big step forward in this much-anticipated attraction.
The National Harbor's giant observation wheel has made it to Prince George's County.
The Capital Wheel arrived at National Harbor from Baltimore, Md., around noon Tuesday, hitching up the Potomac River on a tugboat. Construction will begin this week, according to a Twitter account for the Capital Wheel.
Once it's assembled, developers say the Capital Wheel will send riders soaring 175-feet over the Potomac River waterfront, offering views of the Washington Monument, White House, Arlington County and other D.C. attractions.
Modeled after observation wheels in other cities like London and Las Vegas, the Capital Wheel at National Harbor is expected to open in May.
Each of the wheel's 42-closed gondolas is the "size of a small car" and will seat eight people.
The Capital Wheel will be open year-round from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. at a cost of $15 per ride. Planners say it will attract 600,000 to 800,000 visitors each year.
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For now, you can track the wheel's trip online.
@NationalHarbor @CapitalWheel is here! #welcomehome #capitalwheel #nationalharbor pic.twitter.com/sNm951C5WC — Chris Varnell (@CianbroChrisV) February 18, 2014
