Michigan has approximately 300 named rivers, therefore there are many waterways to navigate. There are several wonderful bridges that span these bodies of water. Michigan has nearly 11,300 bridges, but not all of them are in terrific shape. In fact, the American Road Transport & Builders Association found 2,732 Michigan bridges in need of repair in 2023, with 1,292 of them being structurally poor.
Fortunately, the list of crumbling bridges does not overlap with the list of the highest bridges in Michigan. It’s a good thing, because these high bridges have a severe plunge. Some of them reach heights of up to 18 stories! Let’s take a look at Michigan’s six highest bridges and if they’re safe.
6. Zilwaukee Bridge
The Zilwaukee Bridge crosses the Saginaw River north of downtown Saginaw, Michigan. The concrete bridge has a deck height of 120 feet over the river below, for a total height of 125 feet.
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While the Zilwaukee Bridge is now safe (it received substantial repairs in 2008 to extend its life to an estimated 80-100 years before being decommissioned), it serves as a cautionary story of bridge construction gone bad. Construction on the bridge began in 1979, and it was expected to be completed by 1983.
In 1982, the bridge was halfway through construction when a concrete segment shattered three temporary compression blocks, causing a 300-foot-long part of the bridge deck to sag approximately 5 feet. Repairs to the bridge cost over $7 million and extended the project timeframe by 5 years. The bridge finally opened in 1987.
5. Saulte Ste. Marie International Bridge
The Saulte Ste. Marie International Bridge connects the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the same city in Canada. The toll bridge rises 124 feet over the St. Mary River and is 2.8 kilometers long.
The bridge is a busy international crossing, with 7,000-10,000 vehicles passing through each day. Despite the high traffic volume, the bridge is well-maintained and examined on an annual basis. The 15 submerged piers are also inspected once every five years. This regular examination offers early warning of areas of the bridge that may require preventative maintenance. This allows problems to be corrected before they develop, ensuring the bridge’s safety.
4. Gordie Howe International Bridge
While cars haven’t yet crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge, they will soon! The bridge is still under construction and is anticipated to be completed by 2025. The cable-stayed bridge will give freeway access across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario. The 722-foot-tall bridge will stand 138 feet above the river. It is named after Gordie Howe, a former Detroit Red Wings star who played for the team for 25 years.
3. Blue Water Bridge
The Blue Water Bridge is another international crossing that connects the United States with Canada. The bridge spans the St. Clair River, rising 154 feet above the river and measuring 210 feet in total height. The Blue Water Bridge, opened in 1938, connects Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward, Ontario. While delays are common at this heavily trafficked border crossing, the bridge has no recognized safety hazards.
2. Ambassador Bridge
Looking to drive from Detroit to Windsor? Cross the Ambassador Bridge. This bustling road is North America’s busiest international border crossing in terms of commercial volume. This border crossing accounts for 25% of total merchandise commerce between the United States and Canada. Every day, more over 68,000 people cross the bridge, which opened in 1929. The bridge’s outstanding size and height allow for this. Just how tall is the bridge?
1. Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge is also known as Michigan’s longest and highest bridge. The Mighty Mac is the third-longest suspension bridge in the United States, connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. To accomplish this, it crosses nearly 5 miles of water. At the bridge’s midspan, the highway is 199 feet above the water, while the main towers are 552 feet tall. But, is it safe?
While technically sound, the Mackinac Bridge poses considerable risks. Winds over the sea can exceed 30 mph, and falling ice from the suspension wires is a major problem. Fortunately, the Mackinac Bridge Authority remains on top of any potential weather hazards. The group sends weather warnings for motorists that will utilize the bridge. High-profile vehicles, such as semis or mobile homes, may be advised not to use the bridge in high winds. They’ve also closed the bridge 28 times since 1995 due to fallen ice.
However, over 200 million cars have crossed the bridge since its opening in November 1957, and the Mackinac Bridge Authority claims that none have ever been “blown off” by severe winds.