It has taken 65 years, but the 200 millionth vehicle has now crossed the Mackinac Bridge, and it's a family from Tawas, Michigan, that has earned the honor.

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge at Golden Hour 2019
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What started as just an idea in 1883, came to fruition when the Mackinac Bridge opened on November 1, 1957.

Mackinac Bridge in Michigan at sunset.
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The Mackinac Bridge often referred to as "Big Mac" or "Mighty Mac" is a suspension bridge that connects the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The length of the bridge is 3,800 feet and it is the third-longest suspension bridge in the United States.

Mackinac Bridge at night
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After several attempts at the legislature to approve the building of a bridge to cross the Straits, talk began in the 1880s, it wasn't until 1951 that money was approved to build the Mackinac Bridge.

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After several more delays, the construction of "Big Mac" didn't begin until May 7, 1954. The first vehicle traveled across the bridge on November 1, 1957.

Crossing the Mackinac Bridge

Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media
Wendy Reed, Townsquare Media
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Hundreds of millions have crossed the "Mighty Mac" but it took 40 years for its 100 millionth crossing on June 25, 1998.

The 150 millionth vehicle crossed the bridge on September 6, 2009, with a vehicle driven by Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan.

Michigan DNR
Michigan DNR
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200 Millionth Vehicle Crosses Mackinac Bridge

herreid/Getty Images/iStockphoto
herreid/Getty Images/iStockphoto
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WOOD-TV reported that the Dalman family from Tawas City were heading to Pictured Rocks when they crossed the Mackinac Bridge Wednesday evening June 15, 2022, at 6:18 p.m.

Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
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Kurt Dalman was driving with his wife Anna Dalman and their kids Seth and Teresa. The Mackinaw City Chamber of commerce presented them with a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge to commemorate the 200 millionth vehicle to cross the bridge. The Dalmans also received a local gift basket filled with all kinds of goodies.

This moment was 65 years in the making.

UP NEXT: Seven Interesting Facts About The Mackinac Bridge

 

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