45th Annual Bridge Walk
45th Annual Bridge Walk
The Mackinac Bridge Authority is preparing for the year 2002 Labor Day Bridge Walk. Thousands are expected to visit Mackinaw City and St. Ignace on Monday, September 2, 2002, to participate in the 45th annual Mackinac Bridge walk.
The walk, which will be led by Governor John Engler, begins at 7:00 a.m. in St. Ignace, at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge, and ends in Mackinaw City at the south end.
There is no fee or registration to participate in this family oriented event. The walk has been enjoyed by persons of all ages for the past 44 years. The first bridge walk was held in June of 1958 in connection with the bridge dedication activities. In 1959, the date of the walk was changed to Labor Day and has been held on that day ever since. This year marks the 44th Labor Day walk and the 45th bridge walk.
The first walk had about 65 participants and in 1992 a record number, estimated at 82,000 persons, participated. Last year an estimated 30,000 people walked across the bridge before the walk was stopped due to adverse weather conditions.
If you plan to walk across the Mackinac Bridge, you will find detailed information about the walk on this web site by clicking “Labor Day Bridge Walk” on the menu.
For those who plan to drive across the bridge on September 2nd, we ask that you consider scheduling your trip before 6:00 a.m. or wait until late afternoon or early evening to cross. Traffic flow on the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day will be reduced to one lane in each direction to accommodate the expected 50,000 plus walkers. This is the only time during the year when pedestrians are allowed to walk across the Mackinac Bridge.
During the walk, there will be two-way traffic in the lanes on the west side of the bridge until approximately 9:30 a.m. At that time, two lanes will be opened for southbound traffic and one lane will be open for northbound traffic. No walkers will be allowed to start after 11:00 a.m.
The traveling public can expect lengthy traffic delays on both ends of the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day from 6:00 a.m. until mid-afternoon. When crossing the bridge, drive with care and be very watchful of pedestrians crossing over or stepping out into the traffic lanes. At times traffic may be stopped on I-75 and eastbound US-2 during the early morning hours.
Thank you for your cooperation. Have a safe and pleasant crossing.
