
Zilwaukee Bridge in Michigan is the perfect example on how not to build a bridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,438 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Michigan, heading towards Zilwaukee in Saginaw County, and BAM! You see it. The Zilwaukee Bridge. This thing isn't just a bridge; it's a *statement*. Some even say it’s a lesson in what *not* to do when building a bridge.
This high-level, curved concrete behemoth stretches 8,000 feet (that's 2440 m!) across the Saginaw River, standing 125 feet (38 m) tall at its peak. Construction started way back in '78 to replace an older bridge that couldn't handle the traffic, but things didn't exactly go smoothly. Let’s just say there were delays, cost overruns, and even a major construction accident that halted everything for a while in 1982. But hey, they finally got it done, and it opened in 1988.
Now, it carries I-75, linking Zilwaukee Township and Saginaw, with three lanes in each direction. Sure, it’s a smooth ride now, but knowing its history, you can't help but feel a little respect for this slightly infamous landmark as you cross it. Trust me, it’s an experience!
Where is it?
Zilwaukee Bridge in Michigan is the perfect example on how not to build a bridge is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1073, -95.8703
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,438 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.1073, -95.8703
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