Mackinac Bridge to get $1 million security system

The Mackinac Bridge will undergo an $8 million paint job this year, as well as installation of a $1 million security system including cameras, motion detectors and alarms.

The following news release was issued this morning by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

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More security and structural preservation at Mackinac Bridge

New toll structure takes effect May 1

The Mackinac Bridge Administration is gearing up for a season of improvements that will extend the life Mackinac Bridge with an $8 million painting contract and implementation of a new, additional $1 million security system.

The new security system includes more cameras, motion detectors and alarms strategically placed throughout the structure to deter potential intruders from gaining access.

"The bridge is almost 50 years old. After all these years, the layers of paint need to be removed and reapplied to preserve the integrity of the structure," said MBA Administrator Bob Sweeney.

"We want Michigan's prominent landmark to be around for another 50 years."

The painting project, scheduled to begin in May, will last throughout the season and is part of a series of painting contracts totaling $75 million over the next several years.

The current contract includes extensive paint removal and repainting of the bridge.

"As for the new security system, it'll enable us to see many different areas of the bridge," said Sweeney. "We'll be able to monitor activities around the clock from more vantage points."

Effective May 1, 2003, a new toll structure will help pay for the needed improvements:

- $1.25 per axle for passenger vehicles - $1.50 per vehicle for commuters - $2.00 per axle for motor homes - $3.00 per axle for all other vehicles (including trucks and buses) Responding to public comment, the MBA board voted back in December to give commuters a 40 percent discount per crossing.

Commuter cards or tokens can be purchased in $36 increments.

More information is available from the MBA at (906) 643-7600.

The MBA is a financially self-sufficient and administration that obtains all its revenue from toll collection.

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