New economic impact study for Mackinac Bridge shows big results for state, local communities

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The Mackinac Bridge contributes nearly $200 million each year to the state's economy, as travelers flock to and across the iconic landmark.
The Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Lower and Upper peninsulas, is a primary method of transportation for millions of residents and tourists. According to the results of an economic impact study recently released by the Mackinac Bridge Authority, the bridge makes $193 million each year and supports 1,449 jobs.
"We've known for decades that the bridge's presence and the connection it creates for both peninsulas means that it is a focal point for tourism," said MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake.
The Michigan-based company Public Sector Consultants performed the study over the course of 2024 using surveys, interviews and economic analysis. The study 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 alone was concentrated in the Straits area of Mackinac, Emmet and Cheboygan counties.
In 2024, over 4.5 million vehicles crossed "The Mighty Mac."
More: Ice-related Mackinac Bridge closures lead to supply chain issues in U.P.
Although the bridge is most often seen as a simple means of transportation from one peninsula to the other, and offers a critical shipping link for goods and services, almost half of the people surveyed in the study said the views from the bridge were one of their primary reasons for making the crossing.
"Anybody that crosses the bridge knows what breathtaking views they are, so we're really not surprised that the views of the straits are such a noteworthy factor in the survey results," said Lake.
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More: Thousands take part in 2024 Mackinac Bridge Walk
The study also examined the impact of the Annual Bridge Walk on Labor Day. It is the only day of the year when pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge on foot.
In 2024, around 33,000 people participated in the walk, which brought in an estimated $2.5 million in spending for the surrounding counties and a total of $3 million statewide. Nearly two-thirds of area businesses surveyed said they were positively impacted by the event. Participants who made an overnight trip spent an average of $224.93 on lodging, food and beverages, shopping, transportation, and other recreation. The study also found that participants who made the outing a day trip spent an average of $44.05.
Public Sector Consultants determined that nearly two million visitors in 2024 could be attributed to the Mackinac Bridge as an attraction by itself. One-third of those visitors came from outside of Michigan, mainly from Midwest states as well as Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
'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 Mackinac Bridge Authority Vice Chairman William Milliken in a press release. 'We're so pleased to see this study confirms and validates the positive impact it has for businesses and local governments.'
To view the full economic impact study, visit mackinacbridge.org.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: [e-mail]
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: New economic impact study for Mackinac Bridge in 2024 shows big results for Michigan, local cities