ST. IGNACE, MI-- For the first time in its 60-year history, one of the Mackinac Bridge’s ivory towers will be stripped down to bare metal and repainted.
Beginning April 6 contractors for the Mackinac Bridge Authority will begin the two year, $6.3 million project on the bridge’s north tower.
The original paint is lead-based. Contractor Seaway Painting is required to contain 100 percent of the paint as it’s removed, test it, and ship it to a landfill facility. The new paint, which is zinc-based, is expected to last at least 35 years with periodic maintenance.
Seaway is required to complete the project by December 31, 2018, though workers hope to get most of the painting done this year.
