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Talk with the Doc: The Mackinac Bridge, a true engineering marvel

Dr. Jim Surrell, Journal columnist

Our Michigan Mackinac Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the entire USA. The Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. For many, many years it was believed that it would be impossible to build a huge five mile long bridge across the Straits of Mackinac between St. Ignace and Mackinac City. There were very major concerns about the weather in this area, including very high winds, often with well below zero temperatures, and frequent blinding snow storms. There were also major concerns about being able to build this bridge high enough so that all the very large ships could safely pass under it, including the ships serving the mining industry in the Upper Peninsula.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority, referred to as the MBA, has an excellent public website at mackinacbridge.org that is a very informative resource to learn more about this great bridge. In addition to learning much about the Mackinac Bridge, you can also check current conditions on the bridge. You can also review the Mackinac Bridge history, upcoming Mackinac Bridge events, bridge tolls, current weather conditions, and much more.

The Mackinac Bridge has a total length of just over 5 miles. The two towers that hold the huge bridge cables rise more than 550 feet above the surface of the water. The depth of the water at the middle of the bridge is 295 feet. The height of the base of the bridge above the water at its highest point in the middle of the bridge is 155 feet. This allows the large ships to pass under the bridge at this center location between the two towers.

The original Mackinac Bridge Authority was appointed and three bridge engineers were initially retained in June, 1950. These engineers submitted their engineering report in January, 1951. On April 30, 1952, financing and construction was authorized by the Michigan Legislature. In January, 1953, Dr. D. B. Steinman was hired to serve as the chief engineer to head up this monumental project. Construction was then begun on May 7, 1954. Approximately 3 1/2 years later, the bridge was opened to traffic on November 1, 1957.

The following information will give us some perspective on the amazing current high volume of Mackinac Bridge traffic. Kim Nowack, Executive Secretary of the MBA, recently reported that 476,110 vehicles crossed the Mackinac Bridge during the month of June 2021. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has reported that bridge traffic and revenue declined dramatically in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, as this COVID-19 pandemic continues to come under control, there has been a significant increase in bridge traffic and resulting increased bridge toll revenue.

One very popular event is the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, held each year on Labor Day. The 2021 Annual Bridge Walk is currently scheduled for Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. As is done each year, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 A.M. until noon on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, to accommodate the 2021 Annual Bridge Walk. There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 A.M. Participants may start walking any time after the Governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 A.M. No one will be permitted to start their walk after 11:30 A.M.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected at the Mackinac Bridge. All revenue collected is used to maintain, operate, and protect this now 63 year old National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. At this time, the Mackinac Bridge Authority has scheduled a substantial amount of long-term preservation work for the bridge over the next several years. These major efforts will ensure that the bridge continues to remain structurally sound and provide a safe crossing for everyone.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books.Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.

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