Thousands expected at annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day

MACKINAW CITY — This Labor Day, thousands of people from across Michigan and beyond will converge on the Mackinac Bridge for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.

Scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2, the event invites walkers of all ages to experience the breathtaking views of the Straits of Mackinac while traversing the five-mile span between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The walk, now in its 66th year, is the one chance a year for pedestrians to walk across the bridge on foot.

The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:30 a.m. until noon during the walk.

Participants can begin the walk at either end of the bridge, starting in either St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula or Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula. Walkers have a few options: they can walk to the midpoint of the bridge and return to their starting point, complete a full crossing to the opposite end or do a round trip for a total of 10 miles. Those aiming to do the full crossing need to plan for transportation back, as no shuttle service will be provided.

James Lake, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation and Mackinac Bridge Authority, noted that most public inquiries about the historic event are related to traffic. He said starting the walk from both ends of the bridge has increased participant options and improved the overall experience, particularly because the bridge closure during the event has made the walk more enjoyable.

Additionally, Lake mentioned that fewer traffic issues occur now, as more travelers adjust their plans to avoid arriving during the closure, significantly reducing traffic congestion and frustration on Labor Day morning.

“We appreciate that so many travelers have modified their plans for Labor Day and waited until the bridge reopens to arrive, vastly reducing the traffic backups and frustration we used to see that morning,” he said.

The event will kick off at approximately 7 a.m. with the governor’s party leading the way. All participants must start by 11:30 a.m., as no one will be allowed to begin crossing after that time.

Participants are reminded that the walk typically takes about two hours and there are no restrooms available on the bridge. Portable toilets will be provided in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The walk will take place in the left-hand outside paved lane of the bridge, with the inside lanes reserved for emergency vehicles.

Baby strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, but certain items such as bicycles, roller skates, skateboards and pets (except for service animals) are prohibited.

For more information, visit mackinacbridge.org .

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Thousands expected at annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day