Authorities emphasize safety on Mackinac Bridge

What's happening: Authorities from the Mackinac Bridge Authority are trying to make drivers more aware of peak traffic and construction issues around the bridge. Not only is the summer season the busiest for traffic on the Mighty Mac, but it’s also the most common time for maintenance and restoration. 

When is the bridge the busiest: The bridge often experiences traffic congestion due to a significant increase in weekend traffic, especially during the late spring to fall season. Specifically, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, the northbound lanes face heavy congestion, while southbound traffic on Sundays is particularly affected between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Despite having all toll booths operational, the sheer volume of vehicles occasionally surpasses the capacity of the toll workers, leading to delays.

What they're saying: “Better than anyone, we know the views of the Straits of Mackinac are tempting, but we need customers to focus their attention on driving,” said Joe Shampine, MBA maintenance supervisor. “Drivers also need to slow down on the bridge, particularly around our work zones. Excessive speeds or just a second of inattention could result in a terrible tragedy.”

What's next:  The MBA typically works on the bridge deck to replace sections of the original decking, repair deck joints and remove winter debris on the bridge surface in early summer. Replacing curb sections and reconstructing certain bridge joints will also occur during the fall.

“Like with road work and maintenance anywhere else in northern Michigan, the season for taking care of the Mackinac Bridge coincides with the peak of tourism travel,” said Cole Cavalieri, MBA chief bridge engineer.  “We do our best to minimize delays due to our work, and remove lane closures for holidays and peak traffic periods whenever possible.”