Study shows Mackinac Bridge operation, events contribute $193 million in economic output statewide | Mackinac Bridge Authority
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Study shows Mackinac Bridge operation, events contribute $193 million in economic output statewide | Mackinac Bridge Authority
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Mackinac Bridge Authority
N 415 I-75
St Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-7600
Contact Us
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:16 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today accepted an economic impact study showing that the bridge’s operation, tourism and events contributed $193 million annually to the state’s economy in direct, indirect and induced spending, supporting 1,449 jobs.
The study, performed under a contract with Public Sector Consultants, found that for every $1 in tolls paid at the bridge, $7.27 was generated in spending in Michigan. An economic impact of $161.6 million was concentrated in the Straits area counties of Mackinac, Emmet and Cheboygan. Results of the study were presented during the MBA’s July 9 meeting on Mackinac Island.
The study also examined the economic impact of the Annual Bridge Walk, which in 2024 had nearly 33,000 participants, stimulated $3 million in spending statewide, with $2.4 million spent in those neighboring counties. The event also generated $250,000 in state and local taxes used to support public safety, local infrastructure, schools, and other public services.
“We’ve always known that the operation of the Mackinac Bridge, as well as special events including the Annual Bridge Walk, have had a significant impact on the local communities and beyond,” said Authority Vice Chairman William Milliken. “We’re so pleased to see this study confirms and validates the positive impact it has for businesses and local governments.”
Other notable study points include:
Nearly half of the 15,000 people surveyed for the study said enjoying views of the bridge was one of the main purposes for crossing.
One-third of the roughly two million non-local visitors to the bridge came from outside of Michigan.
Nearly two-thirds of areas businesses said that the Annual Bridge Walk positively affected their businesses.
Nearly half of the survey respondents who participated in the walk said they stayed one or more nights locally before the event.
Participants in the Annual Bridge Walk who made it an overnight trip spent an average of $224.93 on lodging, food and beverages, shopping, transportation, and other recreation. Participants who walked the bridge as a day trip spent an average of $44.05.
MBA operational spending generates more than $100,000 per year in local taxes in the three-county area.
A copy of the report’s executive summary is attached. A copy of the full report is posted on the
Mackinac Bridge Authority website
.
Printable PDF
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Falling ice closures are possible for the Mackinac Bridge
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Home
MBA Board
Meet the Board Members
Schedules, Agendas, and Minutes
About MBA
Press Releases
Frequently Asked Questions
Tower Tour Certificates
Career Opportunities
Location
Kids Corner
History
The “Mighty Mac”
Facts & Figures
History of the Bridge
Historical Construction Album
Michigan State Ferry Album
In Memory Of
Events
Event Schedule
Annual Bridge Walk
Projects
Dirty Jobs 2007
Links of Interest
Photo Galleries
Shop
Mackinac Bridge Posters
Token Gift Packs / Medallion
Mackinac Bridge Books & DVD’s
Tolls & Traffic
Toll Schedule
Transport Services
Rules & Regulations
Oversized and Heavy Vehicle Escorts
Current Conditions
Monthly Traffic Statistics
Bridge Cam
MACPASS
MacPass Website
MacPass Frequently Asked Questions
MacPass Information
MacPass Toll Account Agreement
Mackinac Bridge Authority
N 415 I-75
St Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-7600
Contact Us
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:16 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today accepted an economic impact study showing that the bridge’s operation, tourism and events contributed $193 million annually to the state’s economy in direct, indirect and induced spending, supporting 1,449 jobs.
The study, performed under a contract with Public Sector Consultants, found that for every $1 in tolls paid at the bridge, $7.27 was generated in spending in Michigan. An economic impact of $161.6 million was concentrated in the Straits area counties of Mackinac, Emmet and Cheboygan. Results of the study were presented during the MBA’s July 9 meeting on Mackinac Island.
The study also examined the economic impact of the Annual Bridge Walk, which in 2024 had nearly 33,000 participants, stimulated $3 million in spending statewide, with $2.4 million spent in those neighboring counties. The event also generated $250,000 in state and local taxes used to support public safety, local infrastructure, schools, and other public services.
“We’ve always known that the operation of the Mackinac Bridge, as well as special events including the Annual Bridge Walk, have had a significant impact on the local communities and beyond,” said Authority Vice Chairman William Milliken. “We’re so pleased to see this study confirms and validates the positive impact it has for businesses and local governments.”
Other notable study points include:
Nearly half of the 15,000 people surveyed for the study said enjoying views of the bridge was one of the main purposes for crossing.
One-third of the roughly two million non-local visitors to the bridge came from outside of Michigan.
Nearly two-thirds of areas businesses said that the Annual Bridge Walk positively affected their businesses.
Nearly half of the survey respondents who participated in the walk said they stayed one or more nights locally before the event.
Participants in the Annual Bridge Walk who made it an overnight trip spent an average of $224.93 on lodging, food and beverages, shopping, transportation, and other recreation. Participants who walked the bridge as a day trip spent an average of $44.05.
MBA operational spending generates more than $100,000 per year in local taxes in the three-county area.
A copy of the report’s executive summary is attached. A copy of the full report is posted on the
Mackinac Bridge Authority website
.
Printable PDF
Recent Posts
March Traffic Report
February 2026 Traffic Report
Falling ice closures again possible at Mackinac Bridge
Mackinac Bridge Authority meets March 13 in Detroit
Falling ice closures are possible for the Mackinac Bridge
Categories
Bridge News
Community News
Mackinac Bridge Traffic
Mackinac Bridge Walk
Uncategorized
Archive
April 2026
March 2026
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
Copyright © 2026
•
Produced by
Michigan Digital
•
All Rights Reserved.