Plan Ahead: Repaving On Mackinac Bridge Starting Soon
A Mackinac Bridge project is starting soon and Michigan drivers planning a trip up north should know what to expect. The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) will begin a two-season repaving project on the “bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans on March 25, weather permitting.”
Beginning on March 25, there will be repaving, deck repairs, and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge. It’s scheduled to be completed on May 23. According to the MBA, traffic will be maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction. All lane closures will be lifted after May 23.
Expect delays and traffic on the Mackinac Bridge
They said, “Work has been scheduled to help minimize delays to traffic and disruptions to special events on the bridge.” MBA Chief Engineer Cole Cavalieri mentioned, “As with any construction in northern Michigan, the best weather unfortunately coincides with the highest traffic volumes.”
Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. MBA says that drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.
Wide-load restrictions will also be in place in both directions for vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and traffic will be stopped for brief periods for those crossings.
Work will resume in late March 2025 with repaving of the two southbound lanes. The overall project is scheduled to be completed, with all lanes reopened, by May 22, 2025.
Because of the work on Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace Visitors Bureau’s annual Jeep the Mac event will not include a bridge crossing. Instead, the Bureau has renamed the event, Jeep the Yoop, scheduled for May 10-12.
At least the bridge isn’t completely shutting down. Since 1995 , the Authority has closed the bridge 28 times for ice. The first noted closure was on Jan. 30, 1998, when the bridge was closed for two hours and 50 minutes according to the MBA.. The most recent was on April 3, 2022, when the bridge was closed for six hours and 57 minutes.
Take a look at more information regarding the upcoming Mackinac Bridge project here.
6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac
You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.
If you’re familiar with Michigan or even if you’ve never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you’ve heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you’re itching to discover other islands in the state, we’ve got a few recommendations for you to explore.
These islands are simply gorgeous.
People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it’s not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it’s not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don’t even allow cars.
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you’ll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They’ve witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.
One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you’re in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.
In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
