Pedestrian travel on the Mackinac Bridge, other than during the annual Memorial Day weekend run and the Labor Day walk, is prohibited by a state law and is considered trespassing. For violators, the new 2005 law carries a $2,500 fine, up to four years in prison, and is considered a felony.

Signs are posted at both the north and south ends of the

Mackinac Bridge advising that trespassers are not allowed and the penalties a violation carries, said Bob Sweeney, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Someone attempts to illegally make the crossing about twice a year, he said.

Since September 11, 2001, new laws have been enacted to strengthen penalties and to prohibit

acts of terrorism. Until last year, the trespassing statute for the bridge carried a fine up to $50 and was considered a misdemeanor.

The senate bill increasing the trespassing penalty was introduced last year by State Senator Patricia Birkholz of Saugatuck and was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm in December.