Mackinac Bridge chosen as National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Contact: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications,
feltb@michigan.gov 
989-619-7963

Agency: Transportation

August 4, 2010 -- On Thursday, Aug. 12, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will present the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with a plaque to officially dedicate the Mackinac Bridge as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A dedication ceremony is being planned for 11 a.m. at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace.

"This is another very special moment for the Mackinac Bridge," said MBA Board Chairman William H. Gnodtke. "A new commemorative medallion will be available at the event to help us celebrate this designation and remember the milestone."

State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said, "Having the bridge recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark is a stunning achievement that everyone in the state of Michigan should be proud of."

The Aug. 12 event will bring together ASCE dignitaries, MDOT officials, MBA board members, Straits-area business leaders, and interested members of the public.

ASCE established its historic civil engineering designation program in 1964 to recognize and encourage preservation of landmarks, as well as promote historical awareness of civil engineering, both professionally and to the general public. To date, more than 200 projects worldwide have earned this prominent designation.

"The Mackinac Bridge ended decades of reliance on ferries for people to travel between Michigan's peninsulas," said ASCE President Blaine D. Leonard. "The engineering excellence that went into designing and constructing this impressive bridge had a real impact on people's lives. It has served, and will continue to serve, as an inspiration for generations of engineers."

In 2000, the Mackinac Bridge was chosen by the Michigan Section of ASCE as "Michigan's #1 Civil Engineering Project of the 20th Century."

The Mackinac Bridge is currently the third-longest suspension bridge in the world and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet. The length of the suspension bridge (including anchorages) is 8,614 feet. More information can be found online at www.mackinacbridge.org.

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