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Old 03-04-2017, 09:23 AM   #1
Rick G
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Question Mackinac Bridge

We've been considering a trip from central Illinois to the UP, but I'm wondering about the drive across the Mighty Mac. I myself like to have sides on bridges that we cross, so the Mackinac bridge kind of makes me uneasy. I know millions of people have crossed the bridge with campers in-tow, but what is the experience really like?Excessive crosswinds? Do you have to drive in the right lane? Speed?
 
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Old 03-04-2017, 10:14 AM   #2
navybanker
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I assume you are talking about the bridge over from Mackinac City near Mackinac Island to St. Ignace. We crossed four or five years ago and didn't think anything about it. Not sure what you mean about sides?? It is what would I consider to be a "normal" type bridge but high. High winds maybe a problem as it could be with any similar bridge.
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Old 03-04-2017, 11:03 AM   #3
Rick G
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Yep, thats the one. As for the sides, usually there's an 8' or 9' shoulder before the guard rail, I guess I should've said bridge approaches, my mistake.
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Old 03-04-2017, 12:14 PM   #4
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Rick, if the winds become strong enough they will shut traffic to oversized vehicles or escort you. You can also, if I remember correctly, ask to be escorted if you are exceptionally nervous by the Mackinac Bridge Authority. I've towed across as well as rode a motorcycle. Take it slow and enjoy the view.
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Old 03-04-2017, 12:17 PM   #5
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Been across several times in the 5th wheel. They will close the bridge in high wind or convoy across.It is not a big deal.
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Old 03-04-2017, 01:39 PM   #6
MarkV
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They also will provide drivers for your vehicle if you really feel nervous.
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Old 03-04-2017, 04:58 PM   #7
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just do it....it is amazing....but you don't look.
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Old 03-04-2017, 06:39 PM   #8
Rick G
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Thanks all for the comments and advice, the next hurdle is to convince the DW that it's no big deal, we should just go and enjoy the views.
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Old 03-04-2017, 07:31 PM   #9
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Have crossed Might Mac numerous times with a 5th wheel with no problem providing there are not high winds, in which case the speed is lowered. When it becomes unsafe due to high winds, they shut down traffic temporarily. I have also crossed it about 100 times on a motorcycle which is still a thrill to me after all these years. Go and enjoy the experience and the rush.
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:09 AM   #10
WaltBennett
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I drove that thing dozens of times on a motorcycle and in a VW from '65 - '69 while stationed at what is now Chippewa County International Airport (used to be Kincheloe AFB) when the toll was $3.50 for a car one way. On a bike, it was $1.50 - great reason for a young GI to risk his life!

We've been across it at least ten times in the last ten years visiting friends & a relative up there during the summer. All these were with our former 28' TT or our Montana. Never had any delays or problems at all.

The high wind problem usually happens in the winter months and it can be very serious. Other than then, it's when there's a storm or other weather of some kind. The lakes are great for something to build into a mean one. The summer ones are short lived though and there's a radio advisory station that broadcasts info on if there's a problem.

Oh, and back before I got to Kincheloe, a pilot from that base flew his B47 under it just before it opened. It's that high! (He got promptly discharged afterwards.)
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:41 AM   #11
bethandkevin
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I enjoy the crossing every time we go. The DW....not so much. The view is phenomenal.
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:47 AM   #12
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Is there a toll in place today to access the bridge? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I like having the 8 or 9 ft shoulder that most bridges have, from my viewpoint it's just a bit freaky being that close to the guardrail. We've pulled the monty in 35 - 40 mph crosswinds and some of the gust felt like we were going to tip over or it moved us considerably so not having any shoulder for cushion kinda makes me cringe.

Funny about the plane, it would've pretty cool to see it.
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Old 03-05-2017, 07:38 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick G View Post
Is there a toll in place today to access the bridge? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I like having the 8 or 9 ft shoulder that most bridges have, from my viewpoint it's just a bit freaky being that close to the guardrail. We've pulled the monty in 35 - 40 mph crosswinds and some of the gust felt like we were going to tip over or it moved us considerably so not having any shoulder for cushion kinda makes me cringe.

Funny about the plane, it would've pretty cool to see it.
Yes, there is a toll, it is based on the type of vehicle and number of axles. Google Mackinac Bridge for more specific information.
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Old 03-05-2017, 08:00 AM   #14
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You're worrying over nothing. There is PLENTY of room and if I remember correctly the max speed limit is 45mph and the bridge authority monitors the conditions very closely and makes adjustments accordingly.

We crossed multiple times last September and if I remember correctly the toll was about $8.00 when towing our Montana with a 1 ton SRW.
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Old 03-05-2017, 08:09 AM   #15
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It's easy to say don't worry but some folks do get anxious. My DW wife closes her eyes when we go over the Sunshine Skyway Tampa bridge. It occasionally closes for high winds. Interestingly, I just checked and distance from water to bottom of bridge is 180' for the Skyway and only 155' for the Mac, so...
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Old 03-05-2017, 08:24 AM   #16
Rick G
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OMG 180', geez. I'll have to google that bridge, but I doubt we'll ever trek over that one just because we're burnt out on Florida. The in-laws used to live there, so we made annual trips. Those are days gone by.
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Old 03-05-2017, 08:26 AM   #17
richfaa
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gephyrophobia Fear of bridges. We had a lady in our local camping group that suffered from this and she had t o close her eyes when gong over even a little bridge.It is very real.
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Old 03-05-2017, 03:44 PM   #18
Rick G
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Rich, I don't think I have that condition "gephyrophobia", I think it's just the no shoulders on the approach and bridge, I think driving in the passing lane would solve the problem. I'll have to google that condition and see if I'm in that class of people.
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:12 PM   #19
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I'm afraid of heights and never thought about it being any worse than any other bridge. We always check wind forecast before we move. High winds in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas can be at least as big a concern as exposure on a bridge.
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Old 03-05-2017, 06:16 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmthelen View Post
Yes, there is a toll, it is based on the type of vehicle and number of axles. Google Mackinac Bridge for more specific information.
Hmmm, I dont remember a toll when we crossed it in 2012, but even so it is a beautiful drive and they had one lane down for repairs so had to use the center .... also, Mackinac is such a beautiful island...enjoyed it very much.
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