The Mackinac Bridge has seen it all since opening in 1957, and it continues to stand tall, thanks to the close-knit crew who expertly perform maintenance on a year-round basis.
In
It Happened on the Mackinac Bridge
, Mike Fornes utilizes photographs to tell the stories of how this engineering wonder became a symbol of the state of Michigan.
As America's longest suspension bridge, the "Big Mac" has been the sole link for millions of vehicles traversing the Straits of Mackinac. Some crossings have been historic, others ironic and funny, and a few have been tragic. Besides what has happened on the four highway lanes, also notable are the events above the bridge, under the bridge, and atop the mighty bridge towers. The bridge's history includes extreme weather, colorful parades, and unusual stories of the people who have made Michigan's icon a source of pride for its citizens. Whether driving across on a sunny day, being escorted by a patrol vehicle on a windy night, or riding as a "timid driver" helped by a bridge employee at the wheel of one's own vehicle, the Mackinac Bridge is unforgettable. More than just five miles of safe transportation on I-75, this scenic span united Michigan's two peninsulas.
Mike Fornes covered the Mackinac Bridge for 26 years for several media outlets in Northern Michigan, including radio, television, and the Cheboygan Daily Tribune. He is frequently in demand as a guest speaker and presenter to tour groups, libraries, cruise ships, and historical societies. He has given more than 2,000 tours of the Mackinac Bridge from motor coaches, cruise boats, and shore-based presentations.