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Leighton Township Library
Mackinac Bridge – Then and Now
Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge – Then and Now

"Mackinac Bridge - Then and Now" presented by Kim Nowack

When

May 06, 2026 from 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM (US/Eastern / UTC-400)

Where

Leighton Township Library

Contact Name

Contact Phone

616-877-4143

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Discover the fascinating story behind one of Michigan’s most iconic landmarks in "Mackinac Bridge: Then and Now" with Kim Nowack. This engaging presentation explores how people traveled through the Straits of Mackinac before the bridge was built and takes a closer look at the incredible engineering and determination that made the bridge possible.

Learn about the challenges faced during construction, the innovations that brought the project to life, and the vital role the bridge continues to play today. The program will also highlight current events on the bridge along with upcoming projects and the challenges involved in maintaining this remarkable structure. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Michigan native, or simply curious about the Mighty Mac, this presentation offers a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of the Mackinac Bridge.

Kim received her Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University (MTU) in 
1985. She immediately started her career with the Michigan Department of Transportation.  In 
2002, Kim accepted the position of Chief Engineer for the Mackinac Bridge Authority where she 
was responsible for all engineering and maintenance oversight of the bridge. She worked in this 
position for 17 years and was the first woman to hold this position in the Bridge Authority’s 65+ 
year history.  Kim was appointed to the position of Bridge Director of the Mackinac Bridge in 
2019 and is the first woman to hold this position in the Bridge Authority’s 65+ year history. 
Kim is a member of the International Cable Supported Bridge Owners Association where she has 
authored and presented papers at international conferences, and she is a Transportation Research 
Board panel member tasked with revising the federal guidelines for inspections of suspension 
bridge main cable systems.    
Kim is a member of MTU’s Presidential Council of Alumnae, and served on their Civil 
Engineering Advisory Committee and she has been inducted into the MTU Academy of Civil 
and Environmental Engineers.  Kim was named as the winner of the 2021 Felix A. Anderson 
award from ACEC of Michigan.  This award honors individuals who have contributed to 
enhancing the image of the engineering profession.  She has also received the 2021 Woman of 
the Year Award from the WTS Michigan Chapter.