The Mackinac Bridge is the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The total length is over five miles. It was opened for public use in 1957 ending a long history of ferry traffic across the Straits. People in the upper peninsula (U.P.) were delighted to have a fast, inexpensive way to get the lower peninsula. The ferries were expensive and time consuming. The bridge was also a boon for U.P. businesses and helped to reduce the cost of goods for the U.P. residents.

Here's a surprising note from the Mackinac Bridge authority - "All suspension bridges are designed to move to accommodate wind, change in temperature, and weight. It is possible that the deck at center span could move as much as 35 feet (east or west) due to high winds." Yikes.

It is a lovely bridge. One of the features I've always found fascinating is the road structure on the inside lanes. It's made of steel grating. If you look down while driving over the bridge, the steel grating disappears and the water under the bridge can be easily seen. The feeling of flying over the water is real. That's a problem for some people...