The main tasks for 1956 were the extension of
the truss spans from the Mackinaw City and St. Ignace mainlands to
the anchorage piers and the spinning of the cables. Temporary
catwalks were suspended from anchorage to the other
before the spinning could begin.
The wheels then began spinning back and forth, laying
four strands of .196" wire during each 8,164' pass between the
anchorages and over the towers. The 24.5" completed cables
contain over 45,000 miles of wire.
Placing the first section of the bridge superstructure on the piers
on the south side of the Mackinac Bridge.
The foot of the Mackinac Bridge on the Mackinac City side.
The main entrance to Colonial Fort Michilimackinac
was later built next to the cement pier on the right.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and a car ferry can be seen in the
distance.
The Mackinac Bridge framework starting out from Mackinaw City. Fort
Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point and
Michilimackinac State Park campground (closed in 1971) can be seen
at left.
The Mackinac Bridge framework starting out from the causeway on the
St. Ignace side. The truss sections are floated into place,
then topped with the roadway stringers which can be seen atop the three
center sections of the truss.
Barges used for floating Mackinac Bridge superstructure into position.
Mackinac Bridge span being assembled on shore before being towed into
position and raised into place.
The Mackinac Bridge towers stand 552 feet above the average water level
- this photo is from 1956.
762 foot tall tower, 210 feet below the water line and 552 feet above.
Temporary catwalk in place before the start of the construction of
the Mackinac Bridge cables.
Construction of these catwalks was very hazardous and two Bridge workers
fell to their deaths during their construction.
Mackinaw City during the Mackinac Bridge construction, before construction
of the approach.
Mackinac Bridge construction viewed from Mackinaw City, Michigan.
A Great Lakes freighter passes under the growing Mackinac Bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge main cables are now well along.
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1957 Vacationland auto
ferry ride
