Mackinac Bridge Becomes Governor’s Race Issue

Gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero and a group of supporters rallied at the Mackinac Bridge today.

The ‘Save the Bridge’ rally was in opposition to comments made by Bernero’s opponent in the governor’s race.

Republican Rick Snyder said last week he would consider selling the Mackinac Bridge as a way to make the state a short-term profit.

Bernero says privatizing the Mackinac Bridge would likely mean substantially higher tolls for travelers.

The tolls only cover bridge operations.

Marquette County Commissioner Bob Struck is also a member of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

He says he’s strongly opposed to the idea of selling the bridge.

Struck says not only is the bridge an engineering marvel admired the world over because many people in the 1950s believed could never be done, it was built by Michigan industrial workers.

He also believes privatizing the bridge would mean higher tolls and increased operating costs.

Crossing the Mackinac Bridge costs you $3.50 if you’re driving a passenger car.

The Bridge Authority’s next meeting is in early December, and it’s in Marquette instead of St. Ignace this time.