History of Mackinac Bridge in Timeline

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, spanning the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Opened in 1957, it is among the world's longest suspension bridges by main span and the longest between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere, measuring 26,372 feet. Part of Interstate 75, it also carries the Great Lakes Circle Tour and the North Country National Scenic Trail. The bridge links St. Ignace to the north and Mackinaw City to the south.

1920: Floating Tunnel Proposal

In 1920, the Michigan state highway commissioner advocated for the construction of a floating tunnel across the Straits.

1923: Ferry Service and Bridge Movement

In 1923, the state legislature ordered the State Highway Department to establish ferry service across the strait, leading to increased public support for building a bridge.

1923: Automobile Ferry Service Initiated

In 1923, the state of Michigan began an automobile ferry service between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace due to increased traffic in the Straits region.

1928: Feasibility Study Ordered

In 1928, due to the popularity and expense of the ferry service, Governor Fred W. Green ordered a study on the feasibility of building a bridge across the Straits.

1934: Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority Created

In 1934, the Michigan Legislature established the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority to explore methods for constructing and funding the proposed bridge.

1936: Route Selection

Between 1936 and 1940, the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority selected a route for the bridge based on preliminary studies.

1939: Causeway Construction Begins

From 1939 to 1941, a concrete causeway extending from the northern shore was constructed in shallow water as part of the preliminary plans for the bridge.

1940: Route Selection

Between 1936 and 1940, the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority selected a route for the bridge based on preliminary studies.

1940: Tacoma Narrows Bridge Failure

In 1940, the failure of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge due to high winds influenced the design of the Mackinac Bridge to ensure greater stability.

1941: Causeway Constructed

From 1939 to 1941, a concrete causeway extending from the northern shore was constructed in shallow water as part of the preliminary plans for the bridge.

1947: Bridge Authority Abolished

In 1947, the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority was abolished by the state legislature.

June 1950: Engineers Retained

In June 1950, engineers were retained for the Mackinac Bridge project, highlighting the need for a bridge to alleviate ferry congestion.

January 1951: Engineers Report

In January 1951, engineers presented a report that spurred further action towards bridge construction.

April 30, 1952: Bond Sale Authorized

On April 30, 1952, the state legislature authorized the sale of $85 million in bonds for the construction of the Mackinac Bridge.

January 1953: Steinman Appointed Design Engineer

In January 1953, David B. Steinman was appointed as the design engineer for the Mackinac Bridge.

1953: Bond Market Delay

In 1953, a weak bond market caused a delay of more than a year in issuing the bonds for bridge construction.

May 7, 1954: Construction Begins

On May 7, 1954, construction of the Mackinac Bridge officially began.

November 1, 1956: Estimated Completion Date

The initial estimated completion date for the Mackinac Bridge was November 1, 1956.

November 1, 1957: Bridge Opening and Dedication

On November 1, 1957, the Mackinac Bridge officially opened, connecting the two peninsulas, and was formally dedicated as the "world's longest suspension bridge between anchorages".

1957: Bridge Completion

In 1957, after decades of planning and struggles, the Mackinac Bridge, designed by David B. Steinman, was finally completed, becoming an iconic symbol of Michigan.

June 25, 1958: Formal Dedication of the Bridge

On June 25, 1958, the Mackinac Bridge was formally dedicated.

1958: First Mackinac Bridge Walk

The first Mackinac Bridge Walk was held in 1958, led by Governor G. Mennen Williams during the Bridge's Dedication Ceremony in late June.

April 24, 1959: B-47 Stratojet flown under the bridge

On April 24, 1959, Captain John S. Lappo flew his Boeing B-47 Stratojet beneath the Mackinac Bridge. As a result, he faced a general court-martial and was grounded for life.

1959: First Labor Day Walk

The Mackinac Bridge walk has been held on Labor Day since 1959.

November 1960: I-75 Freeway Opens

In November 1960, sections of I-75 freeway opened from Indian River north to the southern bridge approaches in Mackinaw City, and US 27 was removed from the bridge.

1964: Walk Direction Change

Before 1964, people walked the Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace.

September 10, 1978: Plane Crash

On September 10, 1978, a small private plane crashed into one of the Mackinac Bridge's suspension cables, resulting in the deaths of three United States Marine Corps Reserve officers.

August 7, 1997: Worker Death

On August 7, 1997, Daniel Doyle died after falling from scaffolding on the Mackinac Bridge due to the cold water temperature.

1997: Release of 'Building the Mighty Mac' documentary

In 1997, a feature-length documentary titled 'Building the Mighty Mac' by Mark Howell was released and shown on PBS. It featured interviews with individuals who built the bridge and included restored 16mm color footage of the bridge's construction.

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June 25, 1998: 100 Millionth Crossing

On June 25, 1998, the Mackinac Bridge officially achieved its 100 millionth crossing, exactly 40 years after its dedication.

1999: Painting Project Begins

In 1999, a painting project was started on the Mackinac Bridge, expected to take 20 years to complete due to the need to remove lead-based paint.

2003: Mackinac Bridge featured on Modern Marvels

In 2003, the history and building of the Mackinac Bridge was featured in an episode of The History Channel's TV show, Modern Marvels.

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July 19, 2007: Detroit Science Center Unveils Mackinac Bridge Scale Model

On July 19, 2007, the Detroit Science Center unveiled an 80-foot-long scale model of the Mackinac Bridge as part of the state's 50th anniversary celebration of the bridge. Sherwin-Williams supplied the paint for the project.

August 7, 2007: Mackinac Bridge featured on 'Dirty Jobs'

On August 7, 2007, an episode of the Discovery Channel's TV show Dirty Jobs featuring the bridge and its maintenance crew aired. The filming took place in May 2007.

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November 1, 2007: 50th Anniversary Celebration

On November 1, 2007, the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge's opening was celebrated in a ceremony hosted by the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

2007: Toll Increased for Renovation

In 2007, the Mackinac Bridge Authority raised the toll to fund a $300 million renovation program, including replacing the bridge deck.

September 6, 2009: 150 Millionth Vehicle Crossing

On September 6, 2009, the Mackinac Bridge celebrated its 150 millionth vehicle crossing.

2010: National Historic Landmark

In 2010, the Mackinac Bridge was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

2010: USPS honors Mackinac Bridge with stamp

In 2010, the United States Postal Service honored the Mackinac Bridge by featuring it on a priority mail $4.90 stamp, which went on sale February 3. The stamp featured a "seagull's-eye view" of the landmark. Artist Dan Cosgrove created the artwork.

2013: Number of Confirmed Suicides

As of 2013, there have been roughly a dozen confirmed suicides by people jumping off the Mackinac Bridge.

2017: Full Bridge Closure

Prior to 2017, two lanes of the Mackinac Bridge remained open to public vehicle traffic during the Bridge Walk; in 2017, the entire bridge was closed to public vehicle traffic for the duration of the event.