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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:46 AM

MACKINAC BRIDGE

The Mackinac Bridge was designed by engineer David B. Steinman. Construction for the bridge began in May 1954 and took 48 months to complete with over 3,500 workers. The Mackinac Bridge was opened for travel on November 1, 1957 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time.
Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation
Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation
Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation

Bridge View Park is an excellent location to stop and snap a photograph for a keepsake of your trip over ‘The Mighty Mac.’  

The park offers amazing views of the bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. The park also has an enclosed pavilion where you can learn more about the history and construction of the Mackinac Bridge. 

As a suspension bridge, it is designed to adjust to many factors, such as high winds and fluctuations in temperature. The deck at center span of the bridge can move east or west in one direction up to 35 feet when under severe weather conditions. 

Routine maintenance and inspections are performed continuously to guarantee bridge safety. 

Every year thousands of people cross the Mackinac Bridge between Michigan’s peninsulas for vacation, work, shopping, and special events. 

The bridge is a sight to see, especially at night when the lights reflect off the water. As the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world, the Mackinac Bridge has become a Michigan icon. 

 

 

Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation

Did you know?

You can check bridge conditions before you even get on the road! Visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority online atmackinacbridge.org

Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation

 

Historic photos provided by Michigan Department of Transportation

Discover the Details:

• Total Length of Bridge: 5 miles 

• Height of Main Towers above Water: 552 feet 

• Height of Roadway above Water at Midspan: 199 feet 

• Number of Wires in Each Cable: 12,580 

• Total Weight of Bridge: 1,024,500 Tons 

• Total Number of Steel Rivets: 4,851,700 

• Bridge Construction Began: May 7, 1954 

• Bridge Open to Traffic: November 1, 1957


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Pason Gaddis 07/07/2023 02:30 PM
Pretty amazing to see this construction!

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