Some good news for those of us who routinely head downstate–crossing the Mackinac Bridge should be a little easier thanks to a software upgrade at the toll booths.
The upgrades allow customers to use credit cards at the booths and review Mac Pass account information online.
The software upgrades, necessary because the current software will no longer be supported, are part of a coordinated update at the Mackinac Bridge, the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron.
One northbound toll booth will be closed until mid-May for installation and training on the new system.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Bob Sweeney said they targeted this time of year for the installation because traffic volumes are lower, adding they don’t expect this booth closure to affect traffic and they’re confident customers will enjoy the benefits of the new software.
Credit cards are accepted at the bridge now, but only in the administration building. The new software will allow credit card transactions in each toll booth.
Mac Pass users also will be able to access and review their account information online, rather than only at the bridge when they cross.
The software installation is expected to be complete and operational in mid-May.