Vehicles crossing the Mackinac Bridge will pay increased toll rates starting January 1, 2010, owing to a gradual rate increase adopted by the Mackinac Bridge Authority December 21, 2007.

Passenger vehicles will be charged $3.50 under the new rates (up from $3), a vehicle with a trailer will pay $1.75 per axle (up from $1.50), and commercial trucks and motor homes will be charged $4.50 per axle (up from $3.50). Commuters will pay $1.80 for each crossing, assuming the second crossing takes place within 36 hours of the first crossing. Commuters currently pay $1.70 for each crossing.

The seven-year toll increase plan, which began March 1, 2008, raises automobile tolls 50¢ every two years and raises commuter tolls 10¢ every year until 2014, when the passenger vehicle rate will settle at $4.50 and the commuter rate at $2.20.

The rate increase was necessary, bridge representatives said, to pay for essential maintenance projects on the structure, including ongoing painting projects and the $190 million deck replacement scheduled for 2018. The Bridge Authority is currently paying for a study regarding the bridge deck, which will determine what needs to be replaced, when it should be completed, and how much it will likely cost.

The commuter discount program will also work differently after the first of the year, owing to a decision made by the Bridge Authority in July 2009 to go to a 36-hour rule. To be considered for the $1.80 commuter discount, commuter card holders must cross the bridge paying the full $3.50 with their card and then return across the bridge within 36 hours to pay 10¢ for the return trip, making each leg of the trip discounted at $1.80.