September 6, 2007 - - The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today announced the 50th Annual Bridge Walk, held on Sept. 3, 2007, brought 57,000 walkers to the area - a record like no other. Because of the number of participants, and the tremendous economic activity in the surrounding communities, MBA officials extended the usual 11 a.m. deadline into the early afternoon.
"As mentioned in our press release prior to the walk, we anticipated a crowd larger than usual," said MBA Board Chairman William H. Gnodtke. "From experience, we know that it's always a delicate balancing act allowing walkers to cross simultaneously with vehicular traffic. With so many people coming to our area and investing in our communities, the only right thing to do was extend the time allowed for them to begin the walk."
Area businesses reported a banner year with sales much higher than previous years.
"In my 24 years in the restaurant business, this was absolutely the number one weekend of all time," said Mark Sposito, owner of the Mackinac Grille and the Driftwood restaurants in St. Ignace.
"Without question, this was the biggest bridge walk ever," said Bob Fisher, owner of the Pancake Chef in Mackinaw City. "I have never seen that many people in town in my 40 years here."
The MBA worked very hard to make it as convenient as possible for motorists to cross the bridge during the bridge walk by maintaining two-way traffic in the southbound lanes.
Gnodtke added, "On behalf of the MBA, I would like to thank all of the employees who performed so admirably in the face of a record crowd."
Successful bridge walks have occurred across the "Mighty Mac" since 1958. They are coordinated in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, local and state law enforcement officials, and many other agencies. The MBA desires to continue the tradition for at least another 50 years, provided plans can be tweaked for optimal movement of travelers and walkers.
"We are already looking at ways to improve the traffic flow for next year's bridge walk," said MBA Executive Secretary Bob Sweeney.
MDOT: Providing the highest quality integrated transportation services
for economic benefit and improved quality of life.
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