The Mackinac Bridge on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
The Mackinac Bridge on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Home » News » Local News » Michigan » Heading to the UP? What to expect at Mackinac Bridge: traffic cams, weather, construction
Michigan

Heading to the UP? What to expect at Mackinac Bridge: traffic cams, weather, construction

If you’re heading to the Upper Peninsula this weekend, June 21-22, conditions on Mackinac Bridge are clear as of Friday morning, but you can check ahead to learn whether there are delays before you reach Mackinaw City.

With summer underway, AAA says more than 1 million Michiganders will travel this year. In-state travelers can visit the Bridge Authority’s website for real-time photo views of traffic conditions, and obtain weather and other information at the bridge.

Video Thumbnail

“Currently there are no significant weather conditions to report to motorists planning to cross the Mackinac Bridge,” the website says.

Here’s what to know about crossing the Mackinac Bridge.

How can I avoid getting stuck in traffic?

Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times.

How to check Mackinac Bridge weather conditions

Current bridge conditions can be found on the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s website.

As of Friday morning, there are currently no “significant weather conditions to report to motorists planning to cross the Mackinac Bridge,” the report says.

Additionally, when traveling in the in the Mackinac Straits area, motorists can listen to 530 AM or 1610 AM for updates.

How to view Mackinac Bridge cams

Travelers can check the Mackinac Bridge Cam online for updates. The images from multiple cameras are configured to automatically update every 60 seconds.

Cameras capture the administration building looking south, the dock in St. Ignace, looking south; Bridge View Park in St. Ignace, looking south; from Mackinaw City, looking north; and St. Ignace, along Interstate 75.

How much does it cost to cross the Mackinac Bridge?

Passenger car, van, motorcycle, station wagon, SUV, pick-up truck, and school buses all cost $2 per axle or $4 per vehicle, the Authority said. (A van is a two-axle, four-tire vehicle not primarily intended for carrying cargo or commercial goods.)

Other vehicles are all $5 per axle. They include but are not limited to tractor-trailers, buses, motor homes and step or cube vans, the Authority said.

All vehicles will be classified by the lead vehicle. Anything being towed will be charged the per axle rate of the lead vehicle with the exception of a motorhome towing an auto; the towed auto will be charged at the auto rate.

Do I need cash to pay the bridge fare?

The Mackinac Bridge accepts cash, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Frequent travelers can sign up for MacPass and obtain a transponder for their windshield.

How many vehicles pass over the Mackinac Bridge?

The Authority said 239,000 vehicles passed over the bridge in March 2024. In January 2025, 214,000 vehicles crossed the bridge.

Bridge traffic in August 2024 topped 640,000 — the most vehicles since at least 2014.

Where else are there lane closures this weekend?

MDOT maintains a live map showing traffic delays, lane closures and other information.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Heading to the UP? What to expect at Mackinac Bridge: traffic cams, weather, construction

Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Image

Related posts

Leave a Comment