Final piece of track installed for new Busch Gardens coaster

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens is one step closer to speeding and spinning riders. The final piece of track was installed for the "Cobra's Curse" ride over the weekend.

Park officials describe the ride as a "spin coaster" and say it will be the only one of its kind in the world.  Riders will be lifted 70 feet, to within inches of the 4-foot-long fangs of a giant snake statue.

"The three-and-a-half-minute ride will then spin forward, backward and then freely, taking riders on a whirlwind of exciting explorations," a Busch Gardens update explained.

Riders waiting in line ahead of the ride will wind their way through a 400-cubic-foot snake exhibit that will include different snakes like mambas, pythons, and vipers.

With the installation of the 4,475-pound track piece, testing phase of the ride can begin.