A new study of Mackinac Bridge economic impact shows high results of the state, local communities

The Mackinac bridge will bring nearly $ 200 million every year to the state economy, as travelers flow into the iconic landmark and through it.

The Mackinac Bridge connecting the lower and upper peninsula of Michigan is the main way of transporting millions of people and tourists. According to the results of a recent economic impact investigation announced by the Mackinac Bridge Administration, the bridge earns $ 193 million each year and supports $ 1,449 jobs.

The family walks on the beach, 2025. April 17, Thursday, Mackinaw.

“We have known for decades that the presence of the bridge and the connection it has created for both peninsulas means that it is a tourist focal point,” said James Lake, a MDOT Nordic Communication spokesman.

The public sector consultants in Michigan conducted the investigation in 2024, using surveys, interviews and economic analysis. During the investigation, it was found that $ 7.27 for each bridge paid a $ 1 toll was generated by Michigan. Only 161.6 million. The economic impact of the USD was concentrated in the Mackinac, Emmet and Chebokyan County Strait.

2024. More than 4.5 million vehicles crossed a “powerful Mac”.

Traffic moving along the Mackinac Bridge, visible from St. Ignace's Wednesday, 2020 March 4th.

Traffic moving along the Mackinac Bridge, visible from St. Ignace’s Wednesday, 2020 March 4th.

More: Ice -related Mackinac bridge closure causes supply chain problems in UP

Although the bridge is usually considered a simple transportation measure from one peninsula to another and offers a critical connection of goods and services, almost half of the people surveyed in the study said that the images from the bridge were one of their main reasons to move.

“Anyone who crosses the bridge knows what they are breathtaking images, so we are not really surprised that the Strait images are such a noticeable factor in the survey results,” Lake said.

James R. Barker goes from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron through the Mackinac Strait under the Mackinac Bridge.

James R. Barker goes from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron through the Mackinac Strait under the Mackinac Bridge.

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More: Thousands of people participate in 2024. Mackinac Bridge Walk

The study also investigated the impact of the annual bridge walking day. This is the only day of the year when pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge on foot.

2024. About 33,000 people attended a walk, amounted to approximately $ 2.5 million. USD costs in the surrounding counties and a total of $ 3 million. USD. Almost two -thirds of the businesses surveyed said the event had a positive impact. Participants, on average, spent $ 224.93 accommodation, food and drink, shopping, transport and other rest. The study also found that participants who went on a daily trip were released an average of $ 44.05.

Thousands of people participated in the annual bridge walk on Mackinac Bridge on Monday, 2024. September 2

Thousands of people participated in the annual bridge walk on Mackinac Bridge on Monday, 2024. September 2

Public sector consultants found that nearly two million visitors in 2024 Can be attributed to the Mackinac bridge as self -attractiveness. One third of those visitors came from the boundaries of Michigan, mainly from the Central Western states, as well as Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

“We have always known that the operation of the Mackinac Bridge, as well as special events, including the annual Bridge Walk, has made a major impact on local communities and beyond,” said William Milliam, Vice -President of Mackinac Bridge Administration.

Visit Mackinacbridge.org to review the entire economic impact study.

Contact Brendan WieSner: [email protected]

This article initially appeared on the Sault News: New Economic Impect Research to Mackinac Bridge in 2024. Shows the great results of Michigan, local cities

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