In a shocking incident that took place on Tuesday morning in Baltimore, Maryland, the country was left reeling. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital structure, was tragically brought down by a collision with a container ship, plunging an astonishing 180 feet into the depths of the Patapsco River. The full scope of this devastating event is still unfolding, with ongoing investigations to determine the causes and identify those directly impacted. Disturbingly, it is now being reported that at least six individuals are still unaccounted for and feared to have lost their lives.
After taking a moment to reflect, it is now not out of the realm of possibility that similar incidents could occur with bridges in other key areas of commerce and travel across the United States. In fact, Michigan alone has four significant bridge crossings that extend over the vast Great Lakes. Considering this, if a situation like the one witnessed in Baltimore were to happen to any of these bridges, it raises the question of what actions the state would be able to take in response.
In Michigan, there are three bridges that cross the Great Lakes and are publicly owned – The International Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge, and the Mackinac Bridge. However, the Mackinac Bridge is the only one that remains entirely within the United States. The International Bridge and Blue Water Bridges both extend into Ontario at Sault Ste. Marie and Port Huron, respectively.
The Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, which privately connects the city to Windsor, Ontario, stands as the only other privately owned bridge of its kind.
The Great Lakes boasts nearly 3,000 miles of coastline in Michigan, with only four major crossings, including the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. It is truly remarkable to have just four crossings in such a vast expanse of 3,000 miles.
Imagine the chaos that would ensue if a situation like the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident were to occur in our own city.
First and foremost, these bridges are incredibly durable and designed to withstand significant impact. The Mackinac Bridge, in particular, is exceptionally tall and long, constructed to endure immense force and energy. However, if a cargo ship transporting hundreds of thousands of tons of ore or goods were to collide with the bridge in the Straits, there is a possibility that the infrastructure of the bridge could sustain substantial damage.
The Mackinac Bridge is an iconic structure that spans the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan. It is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the state’s rich history. The bridge connects the Upper Peninsula with the Lower Peninsula, providing a vital transportation link for residents and visitors alike. With its stunning views and impressive length of 26,372 feet, the Mackinac Bridge is a must-see attraction for anyone traveling in the area. It serves as a gateway to the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, offering access to pristine lakes, charming towns, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you’re driving across the bridge or simply admiring it from afar, the Mackinac Bridge is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mackinac Bridge
After the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, crossing the straits with a vehicle became impossible without the use of a ferry. However, the state-run ferry system for vehicles was discontinued once the bridge was completed. Currently, the only ferries operating in the straits are for transportation to and from Mackinac Island, but they do not allow cars.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan would likely face a temporary isolation from the rest of the state until suitable measures are implemented. Furthermore, if all shipping activities were suspended, Lake Michigan would become completely disconnected from the other lakes in the Great Lakes system.
The International Bridge, located in Sault Ste. Marie, is a vital transportation link connecting the United States and Canada. It serves as a key route for trade and travel between the two countries. The bridge plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange. The International Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering, spanning the St. Marys River and providing a scenic view of the surrounding areas. It stands as a symbol of the strong bond and collaboration between the United States and Canada.
International Bridge
If anything were to happen to the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior would likely become isolated from the other Great Lakes. The Bridge extends over the St. Mary’s River before it forks, leaving commercial shipping stranded on both sides and preventing the Upper Peninsula from connecting with Canada.
Despite its limitations, the International Bridge has a saving grace in the form of multiple sections that accommodate the movement of ships through various locks. In the event of an impact on one section, road traffic may come to a halt, but it is likely that shipping lanes on at least one side would remain open, albeit with potential congestion.
The chances of this happening are slim, but not impossible, as most of the supports for the critical points of the bridge are still on land.
The Blue Water Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel, as seen in the image above.
Blue Water Bridge
The Blue Water Bridge, located where the St. Clair River meets Lake Huron, would be an extremely unfavorable location for such an incident to occur. The bridge is heavily traversed by a significant volume of commercial traffic, both entering and exiting Canada and the state of Michigan.
Besides the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, there is only one crossing into Canada between the Upper Peninsula and Buffalo, New York. Interestingly, it stands out as the sole public bridge crossing connecting these two locations.
Fortunately, this is another instance of a bridge that stretches across water with supports firmly anchored on land instead of in the water. While there is a slight chance of this occurrence, it is not entirely impossible.
The Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, which stretches across the St. Clair River and lies below Lake St. Clair, serves as one of the busiest crossings between Canada and the United States. Disruptions to this bridge would have a negative impact on both commercial shipping and land traffic, including transportation through the Great Lakes region.
Accidents can happen, even when the supports for this bridge are well out of the way of shipping lanes on the river.
If any of these bridges were to fail and collapse, blocking shipping traffic on the water, it would bring almost all shipping through the Great Lakes to a halt or severely disrupt it, forcing vessels to divert to other accessible lakes. Moreover, any areas located west of these bridges would essentially be stranded until a new shipping lane could be established.
It’s important to note that while incidents like the one in Baltimore are extremely rare, they do raise questions about the vulnerability of our access to the other side of the water in Michigan. However, there is some good news on the horizon. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, set to open in September 2025, will provide another crossing in Detroit, offering a more reliable option for travelers.
