Mackinac Bridge
Snow and the Mackinac Bridge Mackinaw City, Michigan Michigan Sea Grant Extension, Carole Y. Swinehart
Enviromental Protection Agency
BH Photo #315043
Main Span length 3800 feet. I was engineer for cable construction, 1956.
I'm ready to see the "Big Mac" again, but am waiting patiently until the Fort Street Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie is resurrected to make the trip.
I had a wonderful five mile hike a week ago. Yes, it was cloudy Labor Day on the bridge. After lunch at DQ in Mackinaw City I got some great pics and the Mighty Mac looked great.
The Ambassador bridge is not to be "twinned" but instead has been planned for complete replacement by a different structure type, a cable-stayed bridge. Current plans have called for leaving the historic bridge standing, albeit completely unused, next to its replacement. The approach spans have already been built, but the owner's failure to file proper papers halted construction. Further, plans to built another crossing that would instead be publicly owned, may ultimately change the owner's mind on what to do here.
At this time, there are no current plans whatsoever in the immediate future to twin or replace the Mackinac Bridge.
Yes, it is the Ambassador Bridge concidered for a twin. I googled "Mackinac Bridge" "news" and learned the Mighty Mac is not concidered for a twin. I feel good on that one.
Todd, I think the gentleman may have gotten confused with a possible plan for the Ambassador Bridge that links Detroit with Canada.
I looked around the web and found this article that talks about the possibility of this and does also mention the Big Mac Bridge, but just in reference:
http://www.pwmag.com/industry-news-print.asp?sectionID=%2076...
The Ambassador Bridge is about 30 years older than the Mac, and apparently carries a large amount of commercial traffic between the 2 countries.
The Mackinac Bridge is my inspiration point having been fascinated by it for forty years come September 2011. I plan on heading up to see it and a lighthouse that sits in its awesome shadow in a few months hopefully. Always nice to see others sharing simular feelings as I and posting their thoughts on this forum.
Webmaster's note: The photo that was here has been incorporated into the main site.
Big Mac is mind-boggling as well as beautiful! I grew up about 35 miles south of the bridge and remember watching the construction progress of the bridge. I crossed the bridge on the first day it was opened to traffic, and have walked it with my son several times on the annual Labor Day open walk. It still fascinates me to see it. One of my high school classmate's wife's father performed the indian ceremonial blessing dance on top of one of the main towers when its construction was completed (I think it was the north tower).
Anyway, it is always a joy to see it.
What's not to like about the Big Mac!
I am happy that there are plenty of people that have the same admirations for the Mackinac Bridge as I do
I grew up in this area, all of my family still lives there. Grwoing up in the area you never thought of how magnificent this bridge is. I really appreciate it now that I live in ohio. Thanks for all the pics and comments.
These pics were taken Aug 18th by my girlfriend, Michelle. This group of pics is the first of her's I am posting. I had the feeling "I wish I was there". Shelly took the opportunity of Mackinac for a family trip with her kids. Another noteworthy idea is to check out the numerous lighthouses scattered about the Mackinac area. As I love bridges, she enjoys lighthouses.
Mr Baughn, why don't you concider adding a "lighthouse" themed site, or add them as a "link". Meeting Shelly gave me a new interest besides bridges, "lighthouse".
Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.
I see my soul and gain inner strength when I look at the Mighty MAC.
I hope more people post pictures of my "inspriration point" on this website. I been fascinated with the Mackinac Bridge since 1971 when I was 3 yrs old. It is a well maintained toll bridge that is lovingly cared for. It is the "crown jewel" of the Great Lakes area. It is not "functionally obsolete" in my eyes. It is a beautiful bridge, and should be an icon like the Golden Gate in California!
I offer admiration to all who are or were involved with the upkeep of the Mighty Mac. I asked my girlfriend to marry me right next to the bridge on Sept 21st. Can't wait for the new orthotropic deck planned for it soon. Worth the $4 toll. AWESOME bridge!