Hersheypark themepark in Pennsylvania, US is to open a new ride attraction for 2005 – a combination of a rollercoaster and a freefall ride.

The 150ft Turbulence ride will carry four passengers at a time up the side of the structure, and then across a horizontal piece of track before plunging them down in a 20ft freefall. The track then levels out before hitting another freefall and continues for a total of five drops.

The 750ft long ride, designed by Interactive Rides, will operate seven separate vehicles allowing a capacity of 960 riders per hour.

Turbulence, the park’s 11th rollercoaster, will be situated next to the Hersheypark Carrousel. The surrounding area, known as the Carrousel Circle, is to be revamped in a 1920s style and renamed Founder’s Circle in honour of Milton S. Hershey, the chocolate magnate who created the park.

The new ride and work on the surrounding area represents an investment of around $4m (£2.2m). Details: www.hersheypark.com