At 26,372 ft (8,038.2 m) in length, the Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac, where it connects the upper and lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, it is North America's third-longest suspension bridge. But in all the years since opening in 1957, the bridge's main towers had never been completely cleaned and coated, owing to access difficulties and harsh regional conditions. As difficult as the work appeared, ～60 years of use meant that maintenance could no longer be put off. Yet at the same time, officials with the bridge authority couldn't afford extended closures to traffic. Fortunately for them, nearby coatings contractor Seaway Painting, LLC-based in Livonia, Michigan-had a plan and proved ready for the challenge.
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