Eleven thousand years ago in prehistoric times, not long after the retreat… This account of Mackinac’s history was written by Eugene T. Petersen. The Great Belt Bridge in Halsskov-Sprogoe, Denmark, which also opened in 1998, is the second longest suspension bridge in the world with a total suspension of 8,921 feet. It used to take five hours in total to cross the water by boat. Total weight of the bridge is 1,024,500 tons and it includes around 931,000 tons of concrete. The total construction cost was $99,800,000 and more than 3,500 workers were employed at the bridge site. The bridge was designed by the great engineer David B. Steinman and opened on November 1, 1957. All prices and product availability were correct at the time of publication. Find more facts, history and photos of this this majestic bridge span that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. 3. Opened in 1957, the 26,372-foot-long bridge is the world's 24th-longest main span and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. It is located in the United States of America and connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper peninsulas. " The Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. The whole bridge is five miles long. Mackinac Bridge Quotes & Sayings . See Also: 10 Facts about Long Island. The Mackinac Bridge passes over a strait of water that connects two Great Lakes, Lake Michigan (to the west of the bridge) and Lake Huron (to the east). The water under the Mackinac Bridge is up to 295 feet deep at the bridge's midpoint. The structure took 48 months to complete with over 3, 500 workers and $99,800,000 dollars. Sports Facts and figures[]The Mackinac Bridge from the south shore The Mackinac Bridge at night Freighter passing under the bridge The Mackinac Bridge is currently a toll bridge on Interstate 75 (I-75). Retrieved from https://easyscienceforkids.com/mackinac-bridge/, Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved EasyScienceforKids.com |. Tobin, Declan. It was opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. The whole bridge is five miles long. 1,000 of inspirational ideas direct to your inbox for things to do with your kids. Showing search results for "Mackinac Bridge" sorted by relevance. 2. The bridge has two affectionate nicknames inspired by its size, Mighty Mac and Big Mac. When building the Golden Gate Bridge, the lead structural engineer insisted on the installation of a safety net even though its $130,000 cost. 1.  The Mackinac Bridge is a toll bridge on the Interstate 75 freeway. So even though the Mackinac is the longest suspension bridge in the world by total length, it actually ranks as the 24th longest suspension bridge in the world by main span length. The Mackinac Bridge began to take shape in 1956, when the main cables were strung and the twenty-eight truss spans that made up the approaches were built. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Photo by Josh G. Similar Landmarks; Mackinac Island, located near the bridge and only accessible by ferry, it is the namesake for the bridge. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} 20. Construction for the Mackinac Bridge began May 7 th, 1954. Browse 303 mackinac bridge stock photos and images available, or search for michigan or mackinac island to find more great stock photos and pictures. The total length of the bridge is 26,372 ft (5 miles). Around 42,000 miles of wire were used to build the main bridge cables. Designed by David B. Steinman in the wake of the failure of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940), the Mackinac Bridge was not constructed until the 1950s because of World War II.The bridge measures 8,344 feet (2,543 m) … Length of suspention bridge is 8,614 feet. In the construction of the bridge, deck stiffening trusses are used to reduce oscillation of the structure. Related Topics. Michigan's rich mineral and timber resources drew many visitors during the 19th century and the region began to attract a lot of vehicles. The Mackinac Bridge is the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. This incredible achievement came nearly exactly 40 years after its dedication ceremony in 1958. The actual suspended section of the bridge between anchorages measures 8,614 feet as its overall length includes approach sections on a self-supporting pontoon. The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26 372 feet, that's an incredible five miles long! Michigan is home to 11,145 bridges but this Lake Michigan bridge, the Mackinac, is the grandest and most iconic of all the bridges in Michigan. 25. It is also 20 feet higher from the water than the Michigan Big Mac. For more incredible facts about the Mackinac Bridge read on to find out all about this spectacular bridge across Lake Michigan, who knows what you might learn? Steinman was heavily influenced in his designing of the bridge by the lessons learnt from the 1940 collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge is part of Interstate 75 and the Lake Michigan and Huron … This means that the Big Mac isn't a Mackinac Island bridge, as the island can only be reached by boat or by air. 4. The climate is mild and maritime, with pleasant summers and cold, frozen winters. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Quick facts about Michigan's majestic Mackinac Bridge. Think again! By main span length it ranks third longest in the United States. Web. It's also more than 60 years old, having opened to … We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. News for ONE MACKINAC Japanese mega container ship hard aground, UPDATE refloated Aug. 19, 2020 at 09:32 by Mikhail Voytenko in Accidents. The bridge opened to traffic on Nov. 1, 1957. At the mid span, the 54 feet wide roadway is 199 feet above water. Throughout its decades of service, the Mackinac Bridge has seen millions upon millions of drivers and passengers make their way across. At the peak of its service, nine ferries would transport over 9000 vehicles a day across the Mackinaw straits. While the total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 5 miles, it ranks as the 16th longest suspension bridge in the world, with its main suspended span running 3,800 feet (.72 miles). The service is used by over a thousand visitors each year. The bridge opened to traffic on November 1, 1957 according to schedule, despite the many hazards of marine construction over the turbulent Straits of Mackinac. The total length of the bridge is 26,372 feet. Something went wrong while submitting the form. The water below the bridge is called the Straits of Mackinac. The strait that flows under the bridge is 18,480 feet wide, or three and half miles. The Mackinac Bridge is the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world. (2020). LENGTHS Total Length of Bridge (5 Miles) 26,372 Ft. 8,038 Meters Total Length of Steel Superstructure 19,243 Ft. 5,865 Meters Length of Suspension Bridge (including Anchorages) 8,61 The bridge was designed by the great engineer David B. Steinman and opened on November 1, 1957. This toll bridge was opened for traffic on November 1, 1957, ending forever the two peninsulas being linked by car ferries or boats. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 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