Makinak’s bridge contributes nearly $ 200 million every year to the country’s economy, as travelers flock to and through the iconic landmark.
The Makinak Bridge, connecting the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, is a major method of transport for millions of residents and tourists. According to the results of an economic impact study recently published by Mackinac Bridge Authority, the bridge makes $ 193 million each year and maintains 1449 jobs.
The family strolls along the beach on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in the city of Makinau.
“For decades, we have known that the presence of the bridge and the connection it creates for both peninsulas means that it is a focal point for tourism,” said MDOT North Region Communication Representative James Lake.
Michigan -based public sector consultants conducted the study for 2024, using studies, interviews and economic analysis. The survey found that for every 1 dollar for tolls paid on the bridge, $ 7.27 were generated for expenses in Michigan. The economic impact of $ 161.6 million was only concentrated in the area of the Makinak cities, Emet and Cheboyan.
In 2024, over 4.5 million vehicles passed “The Mighty Mac”.
Traffic moving along the Makinak bridge is visible from St. Ignas on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
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Although the bridge is most often regarded as a simple vehicle from one peninsula to the other and offers a critical delivery connection for goods and services, almost half of those surveyed in the study say the views of the bridge are one of their main reasons for the intersection.
“Anyone who crosses the bridge knows what breathtaking views are, so we are not really surprised that the views of the Strait are such a remarkable factor in the results of the study,” Lake said.
James R. Barker passes from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron through the Makinak Strait under the Makinak Bridge.
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The study also examines the impact of the annual walk on the bridge on Labor Day. This is the only day of the year when pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge on foot.
In 2024, about 33,000 people participated in a walk, which brought approximately $ 2.5 million in costs to surrounding cities and a total of $ 3 million across the country. Nearly two -thirds of the companies surveyed in the district said they were positively influenced by the event. The participants who made a trip overnight spent an average of $ 224.93 on accommodation, food and drink, shopping, transport and other relaxation. The study also found that the participants who made a day trip have spent an average of $ 44.05.
Thousands of people participated in the annual walk of the bridge through the Makinak Bridge on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Public sector consultants have determined that nearly two million visitors in 2024 can be attributed to the Machinak Bridge as an attraction in itself. One third of these visitors came outside Michigan, mainly from the Midwest countries, as well as Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
“We have always known that the work of the Makinak Bridge, as well as special events, including the annual walk of the bridge, have had a significant impact on local communities and then,” said Makinak’s Vice -President William Millik in a press release. “We are so pleased that this study confirms and affirms the positive impact it has for business and local authorities.”
To see a full economic impact study, visit Mackinacbridge.org.
– Contact Brendan Wiesner: bwiesner@soeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared in Sault News: A new survey of the Economic Impact for Mackinac Bridge in 2024 showed great results for Michigan, local cities