ST. IGNANCE — Here at ABC 10 we would like to wish a very happy birthday to the Mackinac Bridge.

The Mackinac Bridge was opened 59 years ago today. Construction of the bridge took 48 months and 3,500 workers. When it finally was complete, a 1951 Chevrolet Styleine Deluxe had the honor of being the first car to cross the Mackinac bridge.

Today the bridge is the fourth longest in the world and over 550 feet tall. According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, around 3.8 million people cross the bridge every year.