Standing Strong and Majestic High Above the Cut River

Monumental, nostalgic, spectacular, breathtaking…all words to describe this landmark! Have you spent time at the Cut River Bridge? Come with me and we’ll take a look together!

“The Million Dollar Bridge Over A Two-Bit Creek”

That’s what local residents have to say about this bridge. I don’t know if the bridge originally cost a million dollars to construct or not because, quite frankly, I couldn’t find one word about the cost anywhere. I can tell you that W. J. Meagher and Sons were contracted to build it 1941. And that because of the need for steel during World War ll, the bridge was put on hold. I can also tell you the bridge opened to the public in 1947. But I can’t tell you the price tag.

However, I did find what it cost to move a 1.4 mile section of road, located just west of the bridge, a mere 350′ north of it’s previous location. That cost $3.2 million in 2020. With this information it’s not unreasonable to assume construction cost were around the $1 million dollar mark in 1947.

So, what did the state get for all that money? This bridge is only one of two cantilevered deck truss bridges in the state and it is the eighth longest bridge in Michigan. It sits 147′ above a gorge that cradles a small, four-mile river, called the Cut River and expands 641′ across the gorge. While it may only take seconds to drive across, it is not something to dismiss so readily!

Did you know that the Cut River Bridge consists of 888 short tons of steel? What’s a short ton, you ask? I knew you were going to so here’s the scoop…

In the US and Canada, a ton is equal to 2,000 pounds (or a short ton). In Britain, a ton is equivalent to 2,240 pounds (called a long ton). Many other countries use the measurement of a metric ton which is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds. Yeah, that’s not confusing at all…

That means the steel used in the construction of The Cut River Bridge weighs in at a whopping 1,776,000 pounds! Wow is an understatement!

I also found information that the Cut River Bridge was included in an MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) repair project in 2018 that was budgeted for $4.8 million. From what I read that was for projects around the state, not just here. The repairs done at the Cut River Bridge were expansions joint repairs, steel structural repairs and new paint. All items that need to periodically be done, for sure.

Most people know this bridge and have been across it at some point. If you have ever crossed the Mackinac Bridge and headed west along U.S Route 2, then you have been one of the millions to cross The Cut River Bridge. But if you don’t remember it, then you were probably just taken in by the view of Lake Michigan – and that’s understandable.

A Bridge With A View

One of the biggest attractions of this bridge is the unbelievable view it offers!

With railed sidewalks on each side of the highway, plan on taking some incredible pictures of either the gorge below or the incredible expanse of Lake Michigan. If you’re traveling this way in the Fall, then you can add gorgeous color to those photos, as well!

I would fully believe that there are people who make the trek here in the Autumn just for those outstanding photographs.

The Steps Go Down…And Back Up

After a walk along the bridge there are steps and a path that will lead you down to the water of Lake Michigan. This is a good place to plan to spend some quality time enjoying the sand and water!

I didn’t take the journey to the water this time because our dog, Ginger, wasn’t feeling well and my daughter stayed at the van with her. It was a very humid and warm day and not a pleasant time to sit and wait that long. I did see several others making the trip to the shoreline.

Keep in mind that there are over 230 steps on the path between the bridge and the beach of Lake Michigan. I thought the 116 steps to the gorge at Tahquamenon Falls about killed me!

Seriously, due to the fact that I have mobility issues myself, I would strongly encourage others with the same concerns to give it a lot of thought before making the trip down to the beach. Going down will not be the hardest part of the trip, coming back up may be though. If you are looking to just spend time in the water and walk in the sand, there are several other pull-offs along US 2 that can accomodate almost every one. It’s the same sand and water.

I have to say, I think it was a little easier to make the hike down when it was just a trail but that was a long time ago.

The steps in the pictures below are just the ones located at the top of the bridge…there are more!

Memories

This stop was not my first visit to the Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge. Or even my second one.

My first time here was on a family vacation at the age of 15 or so. I remember at that time there were no nice steps leading down to the water. It was a path. The top of the path was asphalt (or something like it) leading from the parking lot, which was much smaller and not nearly as constructed as it is now. I watched my Mom take three steps then go sliding on her keister halfway down the embankment. Only her pride suffered that day, thank Heavens. We laughed. She laughed, sort of. It’s funny what our brains choose to hold on to…

Then, when my daughter was around three years old, we stopped once more and spent several hours on the beach. She had a ton of fun exploring with her Dad that day, chasing crawdads and seagulls alike. One of my favorite pictures from her childhood is from this stop.

My point in sharing these things? You will be surprised at the memories you can make when you stop at just a bridge and a roadside park.

A Bridge of Honor

Up until now I have referred to this as the Cut River Bridge. That’s what I grew up calling it. It was always the Cut River Bridge.

And, honestly, I thought that is what it still was. One of the things I like about traveling is it gives me the opportunity to learn new things. That is what happened today. Making a stop here gave me a chance to read the new information signs that have been erected in the park. I found that besides the many changes and updates to the bridge, it had been renamed in honor of Senior Chief Heath M Robinson.

A fellow Michigander and a member of the Navy SEALS, Senior Chief Robinson KIA on August 6, 2011 in Afghanistan, when his Chinook Helicopter came under attack.

In 2014, Michigan Legislature was passed adding his name to Cut River Bridge, making it now the Heath M Robinson Memeorial Cut River Bridge.

Odds and Ends

Here’s a few last details you should keep in mind:

As you walk down the stairs and under the bridge it may be easy to get caught up looking at the steel trusses underneath. It happened to me and my husband. But, turn around! Right in the middle of the bridge is a door, that kids in particular, may get a kick out of. It’s the Troll Door under the Bridge!! How fun is that?!

Whoever said eavesdropping didn’t payoff was wrong! I’m glad I heard a woman yelling at her family to go look for the troll! Another tip for traveling…always keep your ears and eyes open.

If you park in the parking lot on the North side of US 2, there are quite a few spots available, a vault toilet and a picnic area.

If you park on the South side of US 2, it is more of a pull through parking area that is capable of holding several vehicles. Honestly, if I were pulling a camper or trailer of some sort, I would definitely use this parking lot. Just the ease you will have when you leave (provided you are heading towards the Mackinac Bridge) will be worth it’s weight in gold! There can be so much traffic that when we left from the North lot, after sitting for several minutes we fianlly had to make a right turn and go down to turn around. Honestly, how is there not a sign saying Right Turn Only?!

If you are still traveling west on US 2, then use the raodside lot to the North. Trust me on this, use it and you will thank me later for the heads up.

Also, whether you park on the south side or decide to ascend the steps on that side from the path below, there is a monument honoring Senior Chief Heath Robinson. On the monument were touching messages from fellow military and money left behind. I read the plaque sentiment but I feel the messages left by others are too personal and not for my eyes…but that’s me.

While you can cross the road to either side, it isn’t advised. There is not an official crosswalk. If you have small children, your dragging pets or have mobility issues, please consider going back under the bridge instead. Any gaps in traffic are short-lived and sparse.

Yay or Nay?

As I said earlier, I have memories from each time I stopped here at the Heath M Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge.

One with my parents, who are no longer with me.

One from the first time I stopped and introduced my husband and daughter to it.

This last one is somewhat bittersweet. I enjoyed seeing the changes in the area but my German Shepherd, Ginger, had a seizure and passed away just two hours after we stopped here this time. She loved going up north and running along the lakes so I choose those happy memories.

Take the time to reflect on the beauty you are sure to find. Spend some time reading the signs and plaques. Heck, grab some sandwiches in one of the nearby towns and have a picnic on the beach below (remember to leave no footprint!) or in the roadside park. Let your little ones and four legged buddies chase some crawdads and seagulls…

From the heart I give this a definite Yay!

Up

Cost of the Day

This is an absolutely free venue. You do NOT need a recreational passport from the State of Michigan or pay a parking/entry fee of any sort. Enjoy!

If you would like more information about the State of Michigan Recreation Pass, visit my previous post where I go into much more details for you: https://thecoddiwomplist.com/a-surplus-of-fun-in-the-sleepy-hollow-state-park/