Mackinac Bridge Authority

Spanning the Straits of Mackinac since 1957

Why did they build the Mackinac Bridge?

Posted on October 17th, 2016
Answer:
Michigan has two peninsulas – the Upper and the Lower. The closest point between the peninsulas is the Straits of Mackinac – approximately 4 miles in length. Because of the distance and difficulty to get back and forth, people were interested in improving transportation and commerce. In 1923,… Read More

How much did it cost to build the Mackinac Bridge?

Posted on October 14th, 2016
Answer:
Bonds ($99,800,000) for the project were issued in early 1954. The proceeds to the Authority amounted to $96,400,033.33. The cost to design the project was $3,500,000 (Steinman Company). The cost to construct the bridge was $70, 268,500. Two primary contractors were hired to build the bridge: American Br… Read More

How many people died during the construction of the Mackinac Bridge?

Posted on October 14th, 2016
Answer:
Five men died during the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. The names of the five workers and dates of death: Frank Pepper, September 16, 1954; James R. LeSarge, October 10, 1954; Albert Abbott, October 25, 1954; Jack C. Baker, June 6, 1956; and, Robert Koppen, June 6, 1956. Information about the five worke… Read More

What does the word “Mackinac” stand for?

Posted on October 12th, 2016
Answer:
Mackinac is Canadian French, short for Michilimackinac, from early Ojibwa “Missilimaahkinaank” which means “at the territory of the Mishinimaki”. The Mishinimaki was an extinct division of the Ojibwa formerly living in this region.… Read More
Mackinac Bridge Authority
N 415 I-75 St Ignace, MI 49781 (906) 643-7600
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