London SE1 > News & Features > January 2001
Shock closure for London Eye
The London Eye is to come to a halt for four weeks later this month.
The closure for inspection and maintenance follows preliminary tests which found that some welds appeared faulty. All the welds at the joints between each of the wheel's massive steel parts will be tested by ultrasound equipment that can detect faults deep inside the metal. Until now maintenance work has been carried out during darkness and often after midnight.
A spokesperson for sponsors BA says: "We don't feel there is any cause for alarm but the wheel is a unique structure and we have to keep a close eye on it. In a way it is a bit like giving the wheel an annual MOT."
The wheel's Christmas celebrations were launched by Kylie Minogue who said she was delighted "at the great honour". The occasion was marked by a fusillade of fireworks which startled nearby residents unaware of the celebration which coincided with the wheel's passenger count reaching three million. This first full lighting of the structure will continue until Twelfth Night 6 January.
However, Christmas brought two unscheduled events. First a group of 50 Turkish protesters took over two pods and for six hours refused to leave in order to highlight the deaths of 19 political prisoners, sparking calls for a security review. During Christmas week rides were suspended when the wheel was slowed by icy conditions.
The wheel will be shut from Monday 15 January until Friday 9 February. British Airways did not make a public announcement about the safety checks, although the closure was advertised on the Eye's automated telephone booking line.
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