Monthly Traffic Statistics

Traffic at the "Mighty Mac" is up for 10 months in a row

Since last April, bridge traffic has increased every month for 10 consecutive months compared to the prior year. That gives Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) officials 10 good reasons to remain positive about what to expect in 2010.

Robert J. Sweeney, Executive Secretary of the MBA, reported today that 182,416 vehicles crossed the Mackinac Bridge during the month of January. This is the tenth consecutive month of crossing activity showing an increase over the prior year.

For the month of January truck traffic is up 7% over last year and fare revenue is up 29.1% compared to last year. The MBA is hopeful that this increase in traffic and revenue signals a positive note for economic growth in Michigan’s upper and northern lower peninsulas.

"We are certainly encouraged with the number of people that are using the bridge each month," said Sweeney. "We remain cautiously optimistic that this positive trend will continue in future months."

Traffic increased each month from April 2009 through January 2010. Traffic for 2009 was up 4.9 percent from 2008; 3,877,375 vehicles vs. 3,695,757 in 2008. Fare revenue for 2009 was up 4.3 percent compared to 2008.

Over the next decade, the bridge will undergo some unprecedented preservation and rehabilitation projects. These major projects will ensure that the Mackinac Bridge continues to maintain high marks, remain structurally sound, and provide pleasurable and expedient passages over the Straits of Mackinac.

The MBA is committed to preserving and maintaining the bridge by continuously reviewing its long-term preservation strategy. As appropriate, staff will implement a variety of cost-saving measures in the future.