When was the mackinac bridge finished

Connecting the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan over the East River, work was completed on the nearly 6,foot Brooklyn Bridge in — almost four decades before automobiles became common. The New York City Department of Transportation is planning more significant work to the bridge's towers, substructure, foot walks, main and suspender cables, and bridge steel structure beginning in and likely continuing through It's no secret why, as highways, overpasses and sewer and water pipes crumble, the year-old Mackinac Bridge continues to gleam, Brenke said.

It's the bridge authority's ability to determine its maintenance and other costs and set bridge fares to cover them. The bridge's ultimate fate might have more to do with becoming too outmoded for transportation a century or so from now, Sweeney said. The bridge already has its aspects that don't meet current standards. The center lanes of the suspended portion of the bridge, at 11 feet wide, are also out of standard, which is now 12 feet, Sweeney said.

Bridges are very resilient, and one as well-maintained as the Mackinac Bridge especially so, Brenke said. Contact Keith Matheny: or kmatheny freepress. Follow on Twitter keithmatheny. Facebook Twitter Email. The Mackinac Bridge turns 60 and still looks good: How long can it last? Opening Day: November 1 The bridge was opened for motoring traffic on November 1, An official dedication did not take place until late June of the following year.

The official opening day ceremonies were celebrated with the media and many distinguished guests. Many suggested that the completion of the Mackinac Bridge was Michigan's biggest historical event in years. During the ceremony, then-Governor G.

Where nature divided us, we have bound ourselves together with this web of steel. Notwithstanding these setbacks, bridge backers resumed their efforts with their usual vigor.

From to a new direct route was selected, borings were made, traffic, geologic, ice and water current studies of a very comprehensive nature were completed. A mole or causeway jutting 4, feet into the Straits from St. Ignace south was constructed. Preliminary plans for a double suspension span were drawn and the possibility of a bridge became very real.

But the Armies of Europe began to march and bridge progress came to a halt. By the legislation was enacted, but it limited the newly created Authority to determine feasibility only. While this agency was studying the request, a private investment banker became interested in the project, and offered to manage a group of investment companies which would underwrite the sale of the bonds.

The Authority accepted the offer and was ready to offer its bonds for sale by March of There were not enough takers to guarantee successful underwriting. The money market had weakened.