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Mackinac Bridge losing lead-based paint

Posted at 1:03 PM, Mar 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-31 10:20:36-04

ST. IGNACE, Mich. — Over the next two years, the iconic Mackinac Bridge will receive a face-lift.

Seaway Painting was contracted for the $6.3 million two-phase project which involves stripping off the lead-based paint that was originally applied when the bridge opened in 1957.

light it blue

This is the first time the metal will be exposed and repainted. As technology has advanced over the decades, so has paint. The new zinc-based paint will remain the same color, but will last at least 35 years.

The first phase begins on April 6 on the north tower and will be finished in 2019. The south tower will start immediately following the completion of Phase 1. The work will require some lane closures.

IN 2013, FOX 17 looked at the complicated process of painting the Mighty Mac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8mSybdQmMA