SAINT IGNACE., Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — The annual bridge walk is planned for this Labor Day

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is implementing a small change for hikers starting in Saint Ignace.

The walk now begins on the west side of the bridge.

Since 2017, vehicles are no longer allowed while walking on the Mackinac Bridge.

This year, the Bridge Authority is implementing a small change for hikers starting in Saint Ignace: The hike will now begin closer to their vehicles at Bridge View Park.

According to MDOT, the starting point used to be on the other side of the highway at the authorities.

“This meant that many of the people who park at Bridge View Park had to find their way across the highway before they could begin the walk,” said James Lake, MDOT’s Northern Region representative. “Since 80% of the people who show up on the St. Ignace side park at Bridge View Park, we decided to simply move the park to that side of the highway.”

The bridge is closed to vehicles from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

That’s okay. Some hikers leave their cars in Mackinaw City.

Terry and Jennifer Davis run the Lamplighter Motel and book their last big event of the summer a year in advance.

“We’ve had families that have been with us for many years and have done the Bridge Walk. A lot of people,” said Terry Davis. “We’ve seen families grow from little kids to adults. When they check in, they just make sure they’re in the book for next year because they love the Bridge Walk so much.”

Lake said hikers starting from either end can go all the way across, but only if they start early enough and can find their own way back later.

“They have to be on the side of the bridge they want to return to by 10 o’clock. Otherwise, they will be sent back to the middle because we are moving the turnaround point back to both ends of the bridge,” Lake said. “So make sure you are on the side you want to be on by 10 o’clock.”