Six Flags New England Delays Quantum Accelerator Coaster Until 2026

AGAWAM (WBSM) — Six Flags New England is delaying the opening of its latest roller coaster, originally planned for this summer, until next year.

The park announced today via social media that the Quantum Accelerator’s debut has been moved to 2026.

New England’s first “dual-launch straddle coaster” is the park’s first new roller coaster since The Joker opened in 2017.

Why Has the Quantum Accelerator Been Delayed?

Sydney Snow, Regional Manager of Public Relations for Six Flags New England, told WBSM additional time is needed to ensure the new coaster is up to par.

“During our routine commissioning process, we determined that additional time is needed to ensure all systems and features meet our operational standards. This reflects our commitment to quality, comfort and reliability,” she said.

READ MORE: Six Flags New England Adding Unique Quantum Accelerator Coaster

“Our goal is to provide a premier family coaster that will deliver consistent thrills for decades to come,” Snow said. “While we are eager to debut this attraction, this process will not be rushed. We will share information about the anticipated opening date when it becomes available.

Other Intamin Coasters Are Not Working

The builder of the Quantum Accelerator is Intamin, based out of Liechtenstein. According to some online reports, other Intamin straddle coasters have been closed down this summer. Reddit threads and users on websites such as Coasterforce are speculating that the issue is with the design of the coaster themselves. Some commenters even refer to it being an issue that is “endemic to the model” that requires a fix.

Snow told WBSM that “our ride is a different model” from those affected and that Six Flags “can’t speak to other rides or models.”

WBSM reached out to Intamin for more information and will update this story if there is a response.

What Is the Quantum Accelerator?

As a “dual-launch straddle coaster,” riders will actually straddle the seat, as if they are riding a motorcycle. In a previous discussion with WBSM, Snow described it as a “coaster for everyone.”

The height requirement to ride is just 48 inches, or four feet tall, so it’s a truly family-friendly coaster.

Riders will launch out of the station at 30 miles per hour and reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour from a second launch as the coaster twists and turns through over 2,600 feet of track. Riders will also hug the track while banking into turns beyond 90 degrees.

READ MORE: There's a Plot to Riding Six Flags' Quantum Accelerator

The ride will be one of the longest in the park with a duration of two minutes and 14 seconds, and features a 59-foot airtime hill. Snow said in total, riders will experience 11 moments of air time on the ride, feeling as if they are weightless as they speed around the track.