FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Truscott
June 26, 1998 (517) 335-6397
The Mackinac Bridge Authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation today
celebrated another historic milestone when the 100 millionth vehicle crossed the Mackinac
Bridge, since its opening on November 1, 1957.
The crossing occurred at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, as Dan Gilmet, of Presque Isle,
rode his Harley Davidson through toll booth #2, and was showered with gifts and pictures
of the once-in-a-lifetime event by Bridge Authority officials. Mr. Gilmet, who also
celebrated his 51st birthday on June 25, was crossing the bridge to begin a week-long
vacation in the Upper Peninsula.
"The celebration of 100 million vehicles crossing the magnificent Mackinac Bridge,
linking Michigan's two peninsulas, signifies the tremendous asset the Bridge has been
during its 40-year-history," Governor John Engler said.
"It continues to serve as an example of the state's engineering excellence and an
economic treasure to all who experience it."
The five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge is considered an engineering wonder, its towers
reaching 552 feet skyward above the Straits of Mackinac. It stands as a testament to
perseverance in the face of those who said it couldn't be built.
"We are happy to celebrate another historic event at the majestic Mackinac
Bridge," said State Transportation Director James DeSana. "We're proud to focus
attention on one of our customers, Dan Gilmet, and to remind people of the wonderful
opportunities we have in Michigan."
On September 25, 1984, the Mackinac Bridge celebrated the crossing of 50 million vehicles
at 10:12 p.m. at the toll plaza in St. Ignace. Mike McKillop of Gaylord drove his 1983
Oldsmobile Cutlass across the bridge, accompanied by George Staffan, his employer on
Mackinac Island. At that time, Mr. McKillop said he had also driven across the bridge the
day it opened back in 1957.
"We are so proud to acknowledge this exciting event and to thank the Upper
Peninsula Tourist and Recreation Association and our local Chambers of Commerce for the
wonderful gifts to commemorate this historic vehicle crossing," said Hank
Lotoszinski, Executive Secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Today the Mackinac Bridge stands as a tribute to those who built, use, maintain and
operate it 24 hours a day. Last year a record 4.6 million vehicles crossed the bridge.
For more detailed information, please contact Gary Naeyaert at MDOT 517-335-3084, or Hank
Lotoszinski at the Mackinac Bridge Authority 906-643-7600.