Michigan's Mighty Mac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas across the Straits of Mackinac.

Before the bridge opened in 1957, ferries carried vehicles; traffic backups stretched as long as 16 miles.

The Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority was created.

Engineer David B. Steinman designed it after the 1940 Tacoma Narrows failure; deep stiffening trusses support the deck.

Michigan winters do not negotiate with concrete.

Each main cable holds 12,580 wires. The total wire length reaches 42,000 miles across both main cables.

Governor G. Mennen Williams paid the first toll of 3.25 dollars and started the Labor Day walk tradition.

Modern zinc-based paint is expected to last 35 years. This removed the need for continuous repainting.