Crane Lowers More Coaster Track Into Place at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Lauren Shahan

Construction crane lifts a metal beam in a rocky, desert-themed amusement park setting with wooden structures and clear blue sky.

Crane Lowers More Coaster Track Into Place at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

More track pieces are being installed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with help from the large yellow crane at the construction site.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track

A construction crane lifts materials near a rocky theme park attraction, with a water feature and wooden structures in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.
Photo Source: James Burns

In photos shared with us by James Burns, more track pieces are being installed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as one piece is lowered into place. Other pieces of track were also installed on the backside of the mountain last week.

Roller coaster under construction near rocky terrain with wooden structures and a water body in the foreground. A crane is visible against a clear blue sky.
Photo Source: James Burns

The piece of track hangs from the large yellow crane as it moves closer to the mountain range.

A theme park ride under construction with rocky terrain, a crane, wooden structures, and scaffolding visible under a clear blue sky.
Photo Source: James Burns

A crew member is standing on the mountain below the track, helping to guide it into place.

A large crane hoists a metal structure high above a building adorned with an American flag, set against a backdrop of clear blue sky and lush green trees, evoking the adventurous spirit of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

When we visited Magic Kingdom the next day, we saw the crane lowering another track piece. This one is more curved for one of the coaster’s turns.

Roller coaster track curves through artificial rocky terrain with scaffolding and cactus structures nearby, against a clear blue sky.

A few days ago, new track was installed on the second lift hill. Some of the scaffolding has since been removed from around the track.

A construction site with rocky terrain, scaffolding, black tarps, and a yellow tarp. A red traffic cone is visible in the center. Trees are in the background.

A section of the scaffolding surrounding some rockwork was covered in black and yellow tarps and plywood.

Five construction workers in hard hats and safety vests are talking and gesturing in a fenced-off, rocky construction area with scaffolding and equipment around them.

Multiple crew members were located near a hole in the mountainside where new track has not yet been installed.

Scaffolding surrounds a rocky structure over water in an outdoor construction scene. Workers in orange vests are visible on the platforms, and trees are in the background.

On the scaffolding over the water were more crew members at work. New track has not yet been installed in this area either.

The wooden roller coaster track winds through rocky terrain like the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with safety cones and weathered wooden structures standing nearby.

There’s fresh track leading out of the mine building at the back of the mountain.

The interior of this rustic wooden structure evokes the charm of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with its machinery, lanterns, and small windows. The weathered walls add character as a hint of sunlight filters through, highlighting the timeless allure of this rugged setting.

Scaffolding has also been removed from the building. There’s still one lantern with a red tag hanging from the ceiling.

Two workers in safety vests stand near a wooden structure with a corrugated metal roof, resembling the old mining buildings of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as they appear to conduct maintenance or inspection.

Crew members were working on the building later. We couldn’t see the lantern anymore so it may have been removed, but it’s hard to be sure.

A wooden cabin, marked with a sign reading "Big Thunder Mining Co.," nestles among rocky terrain and lush greenery near shimmering waters, all under the clear blue sky of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed until at least 2026. When the coaster reopens, Disney has said there will be “a little bit of new magic.” Frontierland will also be getting two “Cars”-themed rides replacing Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.

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