Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge is a significant suspension bridge in Michigan that connects the state’s upper and lower peninsulas over the Mackinac Straits. Initially proposed by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1888, the idea faced skepticism due to concerns about the area's geological stability and harsh weather conditions. However, in 1950, the Mackinac Bridge Authority successfully advocated for its construction, which began in 1954. Designed by David B. Steinman, the bridge features advanced engineering techniques, including stiffened trusses and an open-grid roadway, utilizing over one million tons of concrete and 42,000 miles of steel cable. Upon its completion, the Mackinac Bridge boasted a main span of 3,800 feet and towers that rise 552 feet high. This engineering marvel not only enhanced local commerce and tourism by significantly reducing travel time compared to the former ferry service but also set a new standard for future long-span suspension bridges. The bridge remains an iconic symbol of Michigan's connectivity and innovation.
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Mackinac Bridge
The Event Opening of the first bridge to connect Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, which are separated by the strait linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron
Date Opened on November 1, 1957
Place Straits of Mackinac, Michigan
Spanning a five-mile stretch, the Mackinac (pronounced MA-ki-naw) Bridge became the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere and was one of the most significant design and engineering achievements of the twentieth century when it opened in 1957.
In 1888, Cornelius Vanderbilt proposed that a bridge be built to join Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. Lack of adequate ferry service isolated the upper peninsula, intensifying economic, social, and cultural problems of its residents. Skeptics argued that it was impossible to build a structure over the Mackinac Straits because the bedrock in the area would not support the weight, nor would a bridge be able to withstand the region’s harsh weather.
In 1950, the Mackinac Bridge Authority convinced the state legislature that building a bridge was possible. Construction began on May 7, 1954. David B. Steinman created the cutting-edge design, which included stiffened trusses and an open-grid roadway. More than one million tons of concrete, five million rivets, and 42,000 miles of steel cable were used. Upon completion, the bridge’s main span measured 3,800 feet, and its towers soared to 552 feet.
Impact
Connecting Mackinac City and St. Ignace, the Mackinac Bridge increased business and tourist traffic to the upper peninsula. Ferry service, which had an average waiting time of nineteen hours, was eliminated. Crossing by car took only minutes. The bridge’s innovative design became the model for future long-span suspension bridges.
Bibliography
Rubin, Lawrence A. Bridging the Straits: The Story of Mighty Mac. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1985. The story of the physical, political, and engineering challenges the builders of the Mackinac Bridge faced.
Rubin, Lawrence A. Mighty Mac: The Official Picture History of the Mackinac Bridge. 1958. Reprint. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1986. A visual chronology of the construction of the Mackinac Bridge.
Steinman, David B., with John T. Nevill. Miracle Bridge at Mackinac. Reprint. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1989. A firsthand account of the construction of the Mackinac Bridge by its designer.