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
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Middle Fork Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Middle Fork Peak in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a heart-pumping 29.1 miles on a completely unpaved road that climbs to a serious elevation. You'll need those beefy tires and a vehicle that can handle some rough stuff. Definitely not for the faint of heart or those little crossovers! The prize? Unbelievable views from the summit where a fire lookout, originally built way back when and replaced later, stands guard during the summer. Just a heads up, though: winter shuts this baby down, thanks to its location in the Salmon River Mountains. So, plan your trip accordingly for a truly unforgettable experience.
moderateWhere is Telegraph Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Telegraph Peak in Nevada's White Pine County! But be warned, there are a LOT of Telegraph Peaks out there, so make sure you're heading to the right one—this one's in east-central Nevada. The road up the eastern side of the peak is where things get interesting. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a narrow, unpaved path! From the moment you leave the main road, you've got about to go to reach the top. That might not sound like much, but you'll be climbing with a pretty steep incline. Keep in mind, Nevada gets a LOT of snow in the winter months, so you might want to save this trip for the warmer seasons. But trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth the trek!
moderateDeadman Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deadman Hill in Larimer County, Colorado, is calling your name! This peak tops out at a cool 10,711 feet, and guess what? There's a lookout tower waiting for you at the summit! The road up, Deadman Hill Road (Co Rd 170), winds through the Roosevelt-Arapaho National Forest and is mostly gravel. Now, heads up: winter slams the door shut around mid-November, and you'll have to wait until April or late May for the snow to clear. Good news though – you can totally make it in a regular car! Just keep an eye on the sky, because those mountain thunderstorms can turn the road into a 4x4 playground real quick, or even make it impassable. But trust me, the views are worth it! From the top, you'll score epic panoramas of Rocky Mountain National Park to the south and Bald Mountain to the north. Plus, that fire lookout tower? Built in 1960 – talk about a vintage viewpoint! Get ready for some serious photo ops!
hardHole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic drive in Escalante National Monument
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hole-in-the-Rock Road in southern Utah is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about 55.8 miles (89.80km) of pure, unadulterated dirt road magic, straddling Garfield and Kane counties within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Built way back in 1879 by some seriously determined Mormon pioneers, this road is steeped in history and natural beauty. For the first 35 miles or so from UT-12 near Escalante, most cars can handle it if the weather's good. But trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for the final stretch within Glen Canyon, especially if there's been rain. It gets ROUGH. Expect some washboarding, ruts, and maybe even some washouts along the way. This isn't a place you want to get stuck, so pack plenty of water (at least a gallon per person per day is a good rule of thumb!), and be prepared to handle anything. Cell service is spotty at best, and temperatures can swing wildly from scorching hot in the summer to freezing in the winter. Flash floods are a real concern, especially during the summer monsoon season. Allow 3-5 hours for the drive, but honestly, you might want to budget even more time to soak it all in. You'll have access to incredible spots like Devil’s Garden and the amazing Dry Fork slot canyons, plus historic sites like Dance Hall Rock and the legendary Hole-in-the-Rock itself on the shores of Lake Powell. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!