Caution Michigan Newcomers – This Iconic Bridge May Not Be For You
There are many iconic roads and bridges in Michigan. Almost anyone would think the Mackinac Bridge first. Then, perhaps, the Zilwaukee Bridge north of Saginaw on I-75 or the Ambassador or Blue Water Bridges to Canada.
There is one iconic and historic bridge in the state that may get overlooked but could cause white-knuckle driving for locals, visitors and newcomers alike. That bridge is the Sixth Street Bridge across the Grand River in Grand Rapids.
👇🏽BELOW: The Only Destination For These Highways are Michigan State Parks👇🏽
What makes the bridge unlike many others is that it is a very narrow bridge that dates back to the 1800s. What gives it is white-knuckle effect is that despite the narrowness of the span, it is a two-way rather than one-way bridge.
The question came up on the Grand Rapids subreddit of Reddit by a newcomer to the city who had a harrowing experience on the bridge. The driver at first thought the bridge was only for pedestrians or bicyclists. Then they saw a large truck coming the opposite way and thought the bridge was one-way. They tried to back-up and caused trouble with drivers behind them.
While the driver eventually made it across it wasn't without much difficulty.
READ MORE: Visitors to Michigan Can't Fathom How Fast Highway Speeds are in Downtown Grand Rapids
What makes the thread on Reddit interesting. There was no 'newbie-shaming.' Rather, locals shared that everyone has the same reaction when crossing that bridge where 6th Street becomes Newberry Street.
Here's what GR locals and natives say:
The bridge was built in 1886.
Just clench your cheeks and you’ll make it across.
Even locals clench their cheeks!
This guy clenches!
Despite the look of the bridge, it is certainly two lanes.
Unless somebody is driving down the middle of the bridge, there is plenty of room for two vehicles.
Yep, I've seen two buses pass on the bridge; everyone will be fine.
There are other bridges that are similar era but do have restrictions. Consider the 2nd Street Bridge in downtown Allegan, seen below, that is restricted to just one lane of traffic.
The Only Destination For These Highways are Michigan State Parks
Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View
These Short, Overlooked MIchigan Highways Exist Only to Leave the State
Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View