Mackinac Bridge Tolls Increase Jan. 1

The Mackinac Bridge Authority says passenger vehicles tolls to cross between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan will increase to $4 as of January 1st.

Other toll amounts will be:

– Auto/passenger vehicle: $4; vehicle with trailer: $2 per axle

– Commuter: $2*

– Other, including commercial trucks and motor homes: $5 per axle

The toll increases were unanimously approved by the MBA board in 2007 following a series of public hearings held earlier that year. Incremental toll adjustments are scheduled to occur through 2014, instead of a one-time adjustment. Toll revenue will help fund a long-term maintenance and preservation program that includes a complete deck-replacement project. The 54-year-old bridge is maintained and operated exclusively with toll revenue.

Expected toll increases through 2014 include:

2013

– Commuter: $2.10

2014

– Auto/passenger vehicle: $4.50; vehicle with trailer: $2.25 per axle

– Commuter: $2.20

– Other, including commercial trucks and motor homes: $6 per axle

As stated at its December 2007 meeting, the MBA board will review financial forecast data in 2013 to determine future actions, such as the expected toll increases in 2014, modification of tolls, and/or bonding. Regardless of future traffic volumes, the MBA will work diligently on its long-term preservation strategy to continuously review and implement a variety of cost-saving measures, as appropriate.

*Commuter card holders must make their second trip within 36 hours of the first one in order to receive the commuter rate. The expiration date for commuter cards has been extended to Dec. 31, 2012.