The Labor Day Bridge Walk has been a tradition in Michigan for 60 years. 30,000 - 60,000 people cross the Mackinac Bridge and prepare for the end of summer.

On Tuesday, the Mackinac Bridge Authority announced that for the first time the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic during the Labor Day Bridge Walk. The closing is due to security concerns.

The bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic on Labor Day from 6:30am - noon. If you plan head to the Upper Peninsula over Labor Day weekend this is something to remain aware of. Not only the closing, but the backups that could form as the Mackinac Bridge prepares to reopen at noon.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority reports that Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of MSP and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said, "While there are no known threats to this annual tradition, recent terrorist-related attacks carried out around the globe serve as a reminder to remain alert and vigilant."

The east lanes will be entirely closed to vehicle traffic while the two west lanes will be open to emergency vehicles and buses transporting walkers.  In past years about 9,000 vehicles crossed the bridge during the walk.

Labor Day Bridge Walk Schedule

  • 4:30am: Bus shuttles begin.
  • 6:30am: On the south side of the bridge, northbound I-75 closes to traffic at Exit 337.
  • 6:30am: On the north side of the bridge, southbound US-2 and I-75 closes to traffic at Exit 344.
  • 6:40am: Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Jog followed by remarks from Gov. Rick Snyder.
  • 7am: Walk begins.
  • 10am: Deadline to begin walk across the bridge.
  • 11:30am: Buses begin picking up any walkers still on bridge.
  • Noon: Bridge opens all lanes to all traffic.

More From 98.7 WFGR