New Assessment Could Determine Mackinac Bridge's Collapse Risk

One of the most iconic images of Michigan is that of the Mackinac Bridge.

Also known as 'The Mighty Mac', this bridge stretches across the Straits of Mackinac and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. But, how safe is the bridge?

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As we approach the one-year anniversary of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore, the National Transportation Safety Board is calling for the assessment of nearly 70 bridges across the country - including the Mackinac Bridge.

How Big is Michigan's Mackinac Bridge?

The Mackinac Bridge is massive and was an impressive thing to see built back in the mid-1950s. The bridge spans five miles (26,372 ft.) from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace.

At its tallest point, the roadway of the bridge sits 199 ft. above the water and has a ship clearance of 155 ft.

Sitting that high above the water and having that much clearance, is the Mackinac Bridge at risk for collapse?

New Assessment Could Determine Mackinac Bridge's Likelihood of Collapse

This new assessment called for by the National Transportation Safety Board is meant to help 68 bridges across the nation determine their risk of collapse if they were to be hit by a moving boat.

All of the bridges that are being suggested for assessment were built prior to the current guidance being issued (1991), and therefore have never been assessed based on the current guidance.

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In addition to the Mackinac Bridge, other truly iconic bridges are being urged to complete the assessment including the Bay Bridge (San Francisco), the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), and the Chicago Skyway.