NEWS - Sponsors step up to support Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk

Michigan DOT sent this bulletin at 09/04/2017 11:43 AM EDT
 
Mackinac Bridge Authority

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2017

 

CONTACT: Bob Sweeney, Mackinac Bridge Authority, 906-643-7600

 

Sponsors step up to support Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk

 

September 4, 2017 – Five Michigan businesses – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Consumers Energy, the Grand Hotel, Meijer, and DTE Energy – came through in a big way to make the Mackinac Bridge Annual Walk more enjoyable for walkers and more comfortable for travelers waiting to cross the bridge on Labor Day.

​​               Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Consumers Energy, the Grand Hotel, Meijer, and DTE Energy supported the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Courtesy Patrol, refreshment stations along routes approaching the bridge, and set-up for the event. The Meijer donation included snacks, water, and juice for the refreshment stations.

​​               "The Mackinac Bridge Annual Walk is a beloved Michigan tradition, but closing the bridge to traffic for safety during the walk was sure to inconvenience some travelers on Labor Day," said MBA Chairman Bill Gnodtke. "Many people helped make this event go as smoothly as possible, but we couldn't have done it without these sponsors. We sincerely thank them."

​​               An estimated 25,000 participated in this year's bridge walk. Every year, between 25,000 and 60,000 people from several states and countries come to the Mackinac Bridge for the annual event, which has taken place since 1958, the year after the bridge opened to traffic.

​​               Unlike in prior years, only buses used to transport walkers to the starting point for the walk and emergency service vehicles were allowed on the bridge during the event. All other vehicle traffic was stopped from 6:30 a.m. to noon while event participants are on the bridge. The MBA made the decision during a special board meeting May 16, citing safety and security recommendations by the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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