Franconia, New Hampshire — While Cannon’s second-generation aerial tramway isn’t closing for good for another month, work is already underway on its replacement.
This week, Cannon Mountain announced that structural analysis has begun on its aerial tramway. Cannon is collaborating with SCJ Alliance, an engineering firm specializing in tramway design. This includes helping with engineering for the Tram at Jackson Hole and the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City. This structural analysis will also help determine design requirements and load considerations for the next tram. A structural analysis will help determine the refurbishment plans for the towers, foundations, and terminals. They aim to finish the analysis by ski season.
“Structural analysis in this case is a study of existing infrastructure—including tram towers, terminals, and foundations—to determine what, if anything, needs to be modified to support the designs and loads of the next-generation tram,” said Jace Wirth, the General Manager of Cannon Mountain. “Partnering with such an experienced team is a critical step in the process.”
Since Cannon is a state-run ski area, funding will be provided by the state government. The primary source of funding will be from New Hampshire House Bill 25, which provides $27.2 million for the project. Additional capital resources are also planned.
“It’s exciting to be part of this project and see the state’s vision move forward,” said Mike Deiparine, Senior Project Manager with SCJ Alliance’s Engineering & Planning Group. “The Cannon Tramway means so much to New Hampshire, and it’s special to help shape the future of an icon.”
The first aerial tramway at Cannon opened in 1938. It was replaced by the tramway that remains operational to this day, which can host 80 passengers in each cabin. The tramway travels one mile to the 4080-foot summit in under seven minutes. The current iteration of the tram has carried over 9 million guests.
Cannon’s tramway last day is scheduled for October 26th. The tram replacement is expected to take at least two years. However, an assessment that reveals that some parts can be reused could lead to a quicker construction cycle. An opening date for the third-generation tram has not yet been announced.
Image Credits: Cannon Mountain
