MORAN TOWNSHIP, MI-The Mackinac Bridge Authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation, together with local business leaders, elected officials and the contractor, recently broke ground for a new Mackinac Bridge viewing park. “The new Bridge View Park is a wonderful addition to the area for local residents and visitors,” says state transportation director Gregory J. Rosine. “It will include picnic areas, a walking path and an absolutelygreat place to take an outstanding picture of Michigan's crown jewel, the Mackinac Bridge.”

The Bridge View Park is located west of the toll plaza. The $1.3-million project will include an observation building, paved access roads, a walking path, picnic areas, trees and landscaped islands containing flowers and shrubs.

Accessible from the Upper Peninsula, Bridge View Park will be built on approximately eight acres of shoreline managed by the MBA, the site of the current bridge viewing area. The contractor is expected to begin work in late April, closing the current viewing area.Completion is expected in October 2001. The bridge viewing area will remain closed during construction.