Great Lakes Amateur Radio Rovers at the Mighty Mac
Great Lakes Amateur Radio Rovers A ham radio club dedicated to operating Field Day, special event and contest stations from interesting places.


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HAPPY 40th!

At the Mighty Mac:

Mackinac BridgeOver the weekend of November 1 and 2, 1997, GLARR helped celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, The bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac between the state of Michigan's two peninsulas, is a high-iron and concrete construction masterpiece.

The GLARR Operation:

We set up the GLARR trailer in the southernmost end of the Mackinac Bridge Authority's parking lot, just a few feet from the water and near the north causeway leading to the bridge. We were located adjacent to the stage and the covered viewing area that was erected for the anniversary festivities. Unfortunately, it rained during the presentations which reduced the foot traffic past our station and forced the removal of our outdoor literature table.

GLARR was graciously given the use of the Bridge Authority's facilities, including hot showers, electrical power and a multimillion dollar view of the bridge, as well as, both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Our contact representing the Bridge Authority was Jimmy Laakko, W8JU. We were pleased to learn that Jimmy was also the local Amateur Radio Emergency Service's Emergency Coordinator.

The Bridge:

With her towers soaring 552 feet above the waters of the Staits of Mackinac, the Mackinac is the longest suspension bridge in the world with a center span of 3,800 feet. Designed by David B. Steinman, construction was completed in 1957.

Bridge Facts:

Lengths:

  • Total length of Bridge with approaches (5 miles) - 26,372 ft.
  • Total length of steel superstructure - 19,243 ft.
  • Length - Suspension bridge (including anchorages) - 8,614 ft.
  • Length - Main span (between main towers) - 3,800 ft.
Heights and depths:
  • Main towers above water - 552 ft.
  • Maximum depth of water at mid span - 295 ft.
  • Maximum depth of tower piers below water - 210 ft.
  • Height of roadway above water at mid span - 199 ft.
  • Under clearance at mid span for ships - 155 ft.
Cables:
  • Total length of wire in main cables - 42,000 miles
  • Number of wires in each cable - 12,580
  • Weight of cables - 1,840 tons
  • Diameter of main cables - 24 1/2 inches
  • Diameter of each wire - 0.196 inches


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http://www.qsl.net/glarr
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Last modified 5/21/98 8:45:36 PM