Traverse City Record-Eagle

Cheboygan County

April 10, 2008

Work on Mackinac Bridge expected until July

BY SHERI McWHIRTER

ST. IGNACE -- It may be slow going across Mighty Mack this spring and early summer.

A $3.2 million construction project will begin today on the lanes of the Mackinac Bridge going north, as workers repair the concrete deck and steel joints, along with the replacement of concrete curbs.

Construction likely will continue through the spring and be finished before the July 4 holiday.

The work is expected to make a smoother ride for motorists and extend the life of the deck by several years, officials said.

"If you put down new asphalt, it will extend the life of the deck by sealing the concrete level of the deck from water," said Julie Neph, assistant bridge engineer.

During construction, traffic crossing to the Upper Peninsula will be shifted to the inner lane normally going south, from James Street in Mackinaw City to the tollbooths in St. Ignace. Two-way traffic will be maintained during the bridge project, although motorists are asked to use extreme caution and drive at or below posted speed limits.

Passing will not be allowed on the bridge and wide loads will be restricted to crossing once a day. The movement of all traffic to one side of the bridge will not affect balance or cause swaying, Neph said.

The project is funded by existing bridge revenues, not the recent toll increase that went into effect last month, she said.

Money from the toll hike will be banked to finance an expected $300 million in major infrastructure improvement projects over the next 20 years, including a new deck and upgrades to the concrete and structural steel, officials said.

The rates for passenger vehicles jumped from $2.50 to $3. Commuter rates are now $1.60, while motor homes and trailer-semi tractors pay $3.50 per axle.

Next year, commuter tolls will begin to increase by 10 cents per year through 2014, while passenger vehicle tolls will increase to $3.50 in 2010, $4 in 2012 and $4.50 in 2014. Motor home and truck tolls will increase to $6 per axle by 2014.

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