ST. IGNACE, Mich. — Thousands of people, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, participated in the 62nd Annual Bridge Walk across the Mackinac Bridge Monday morning.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority said for the first time in three years, the crowd grew. An estimated 30,000 people participated in the walk.
For the past 62 years, Michiganders have celebrated Labor Day by walking across the Mackinac Bridge. This was the third year that the bridge was closed to traffic during the walk.
The nearly 5-mile long bridge links Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas and crosses the Straits of Mackinac, which connects lakes Huron and Michigan.
“The Labor Day bridge walk has become a Pure Michigan tradition. I was honored to participate this year along with thousands of Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “This walk and similar events around the state today allows for us to express our gratitude towards the hard-working men and women of Michigan’s labor movement who helped build the middle class.”
Many people waiting in the pre-dawn darkness wore ponchos in rainfall that gave way to some sunshine as the walk started at 7 a.m. Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Bus transportation was not provided back across the bridge, unlike previous years. Those who made the full crossing Monday had to arrange a ride back after vehicle access resumed or walk the 5-miles back to the other side.
Another option was walking halfway across the bridge from either end, then doubling back.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
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