FAQs Archive | Page 5 of 12 | Mackinac Bridge Authority

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

Does the bridge sway during high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Nope, and it doesn’t bounce either. The deck of the bridge is designed to be somewhat flexible, moving up and down slightly as the distribution of weight changes from vehicles (and pedestrians during the bridge walk). While a sustained wind can cause the suspended span to deflect slightly, the bridge doesn’t sw… Read More

Any other incidents involving vehicles affected by high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

There have been a few other instances where winds have caused high-profile vehicles to tip over on the bridge. In July 2013, a truck tipped against the bridge railing. In December 2022, a mobile office trailer tipped over against the bridge railing. In both cases, the bridge was closed until the vehicles could be clea… Read More

Can vehicles blow off the bridge during high wind?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

No vehicle has ever “blown off” the Mackinac Bridge. Despite the rumors and legends, it’s never happened. More than 200 million vehicles have crossed the bridge since it opened in November 1957. Only two vehicles have ever gone over the railing of the bridge:

On Sept. 22, 1989, a Yugo compact car went over the ra

Where can I get current conditions at the Mackinac Bridge?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

We always post current conditions and any advisories or closures on our website: https://www.MackinacBridge.org/Fares-Traffic/Conditions/. We also post those updates on our X account: @MackinacBridge. People who are interested in receiving text messages about bridge closures, including closure informa… Read More