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Mackinac Bridge original steel gratings up for auction

History buffs have a chance to take home barrels of the original Mackinac Bridge construction, as authorities put up five auction listings of the bridge’s steel grating.

Each 55-gallon barrel weighs about 470 pounds and holds  about 140 pieces of the grating, according to the website. Each piece ranges from 5 by 8 inches to 5 by 11.   Galvanized Grating Metal

Mackinac Bridge original steel gratings up for auction

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Because of the bridge's   age, the pieces were originally coated with lead-based paint. The listing’s description says that while most of this is gone, buyers will have to sign a hold harmless agreement. 

Listings already have as many at 13 bids, with prices reaching $500.  

Sixty-four years after its opening, the Mighty Mac holds the title as the third-longest suspension bridge in North America, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.  

The board had put up 12 sections of the grating for sale in early April, and those bids have reached more than $400.  

To bid on the barrels, visit govdeals.com. The auction closes May 18. 

Mackinac Bridge original steel gratings up for auction

Grating Panel Contact Minnah Arshad: MArshad@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @minnaharshad.