(AP) -- The bridge connecting Michigan's two peninsulas is steeling itself for a national engineering accolade. The Mackinac Bridge is being designated Thursday as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A public dedication is planned for 11 a.m. at Bridge View Park in the Upper Peninsula community of St. Ignace.

The nomination for the five-mile span was prepared by Tess Ahlborn. The associate professor of civil engineering at Michigan Technological University was asked to prepare the package by the Michigan chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, which is recognizing the bridge.

Her reasons for recognizing it? It linked two peninsulas, opened up another trade route with Canada, and advanced civil engineering. Plus, she says, "It's the Mighty Mac!"

Michigan Technological University: http://www.mtu.edu/

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