Transport Correspondent Alastair Dalton takes a look inside The Falkirk Wheel from how do i look under without my sweater Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 3:21
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✓ Published: 28-Feb-2024

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Transport Correspondent Alastair Dalton takes a look inside The Falkirk Wheel<br/><br/>he Falkirk Wheel is undergoing the biggest upgrade since it was opened in 2002.<br/><br/>The £2.7 million project involves shutting the world's only rotating boat lift for 17 weeks compared to its normal six-week winter maintenance closure.<br/><br/>All the internal operating systems are being modernised such as hydraulics, control panels, sensors, cables, hoses and seals.<br/><br/>This will enable equipment to be switched off when the Wheel is not turning - producing significant power savings.<br/><br/>The Wheel is due to re-open in late March 2024 with public tours inside the structure planned for later in the year.<br/><br/>More than 3,500 boats a year use the Wheel to travel between the Union and Forth & Clyde canals.<br/><br/>It lifts boats the 35m (115m) height difference between the canals and replaced 11 locks that took all day to pass through.<br/><br/>Trip boats also offer hour-long trips on the Wheel.<br/><br/>The Wheel attracts around 500,000 visitors a year with more than 6.5 million visitors in total since it was opened by Queen Elizabeth.<br/><br/>The visitor centre beside the Wheel basin remains open during the refurbishment.