FAQs Archive | Page 5 of 12 | Mackinac Bridge Authority

Why can’t over-dimensioned vehicles get a Mackinac Bridge permit?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

Heavy loads are escorted for a different reason than over-dimensioned loads. Heavy load escorts ensure weight is safely distributed on the bridge by following rules set forth by the MBA based on the recommendations of engineers throughout the life of the bridge. Over-sized loads are escorted to ensure the safety o… Read More

Why can only over-length vehicles utilize their own pilot vehicle and avoid the MBA escort fee?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

An over-length vehicle only occupies one lane of traffic. The pilot vehicle provides a warning to motorists to be aware of an over-dimension vehicle. Over-width loads either occupy or travel on the boundary of occupying a second lane of traffic. This requires the MBA to supply an escort due to the bridge’s four-lane… Read More

How will the escort fee be charged?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

The escort fee will be charged in the toll booth so drivers will not need to come inside the administration building. Trucks receiving an escort MUST report to a green OPEN lane to pay their toll and escort fee. Cash, credit card, or MacPass may be used to pay the fee.… Read More

Will over-sized vehicles be charged an escort fee during wind escort?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

No. Over-dimensioned vehicles are not allowed to cross during wind escort. Heavy loads without a Mackinac Bridge heavy truck permit will be escorted along with other high-profile vehicles free of charge. During partial closure, all high-profile vehicles, including heavy loads, will not be allowed to cross.… Read More

Why is there no charge for typical wind escorting when it also requires MBA resources?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

For wind escorts, the safety of all motorists is being protected through the escorting service. High winds in the Straits area impact every motorist crossing the Mackinac Bridge regardless of vehicle or load type.… Read More

Why does a group escort get charged the same per vehicle as a single vehicle escort?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

This was considered when calculating the costs incurred by the MBA to provide over-sized escorts. The number of MBA personnel required for an escort varies based on several factors and situations. Historical data was used to calculate a weighted average cost based on the frequency of single vehicle escorts, two ve… Read More

Does a convoy of trucks from the same company have to pay the fee for each vehicle?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

Yes, this was considered when calculating the resources the MBA uses to provide over-sized escorts. The fee amount was calculated using a weighted average cost rather than the cost per individual escort.… Read More

Why do placard loads not get charged a fee even though they still require an escort?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

Due to federal statutes limiting states from regulating HAZMAT material transport, the MBA cannot charge an escort fee on those loads as it would violate federal regulations. The cost to provide these escorts was not included in calculating the cost of MBA resources to provide escorts.… Read More

What if a load is placarded and is over-sized, will they be charged the fee?

Posted on December 5th, 2023

If a load is over-sized and placarded, they will be charged the fee for an escort based on them being over-sized, not based on their placard. If this load is heavy and possesses a Mackinac Bridge heavy truck permit, they will not be escorted or charged the fee. If this load is longer than 90 feet and has their own pilot vehi… Read More

I want to paint my house (or car, or boat, or motorcycle, or camper) to match the Mackinac Bridge. What colors should I shop for?

Posted on August 8th, 2023

The iconic ivory color of the bridge’s towers is Federal Standard 595b color number 13711 and the distinguished green color of the cables and structural steel is Federal Standard 595c color number 14110.… Read More