Reminder from Mackinac Bridge Authority: Passenger vehicles tolls will be $3.50 on Jan. 1

Contact: Bob Sweeney, Mackinac Bridge Authority, 906-743-7600

Agency: Transportation

December 17, 2009 -- The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today issued a reminder to motorists planning to cross the bridge:

Effective Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, the following rates will go into effect (per crossing):

- Auto/passenger vehicle - $3.50; vehicle with trailer - $1.75 per axle

- Commuter - $1.80*

- Other, including commercial trucks and motor homes - $4.50 per axle

After a series of public hearings held in December 2007, the MBA board unanimously approved incremental toll adjustments until 2014, instead of a one-time adjustment. Toll revenue will help fund a long-term maintenance and preservation program that includes a complete deck-replacement project within the next decade. The 52-year-old bridge is maintained and operated exclusively with toll revenue.

Passenger vehicle tolls will increase to $4 in 2012 and $4.50 in 2014. A passenger vehicle with trailer toll will be $2 per axle in 2012 and $2.25 in 2014. Motor home and commercial truck tolls will increase to $5 per axle in 2012 and $6 per axle in 2014. Commuter tolls will increase to $1.90 in 2011, $2.00 in 2012, $2.10 in 2013, and $2.20 in 2014.

At its December 2007 meeting, the MBA board also decided to review financial forecast data in 2013 to determine future actions, such as a toll increase listed in 2014, modification of tolls, and/or bonding. Regardless of future traffic volumes, the MBA will work diligently on its long-term preservation strategy to continuously review and implement a variety of cost-saving measures, as appropriate.

*Commuter card holders must make their second trip within 36 hours of the first one in order to receive the commuter rate.