Bay City Bridge Toll Changes Impact Local Traffic and Commuter Costs

Bay City Bridge Partners has implemented toll charges on the Liberty and Independence bridges over the Saginaw River, which has led to mounting frustration among Bay City residents and commuters. The company secured a long-term lease for these city-owned drawbridges and began charging tolls to fund essential maintenance projects on the infrastructure. Vehicles with transponders are charged $2 per crossing, while those without pay $5.50. Bay City residents can cross toll-free using a transponder, but non-resident motorists face costs with a monthly pass option costing $15, which is set to end by the end of 2025, after which a $2 toll per crossing will apply in 2026. This toll structure has influenced local traffic patterns, with many drivers avoiding the tolled bridges, especially during peak morning hours, opting instead for alternative routes like the Vets bridge. This shift is leading to increased congestion on untolled routes. Beyond local commuters, Bay City's position as a tourist destination means that visitors are also impacted by the tolls, with some lodging complaints. Public concern over the tolls has been voiced at Bay City Commission meetings, highlighting the financial strain on residents who rely on river crossings for daily transportation. Attempts to reach Bay City Bridge Partners for comment were unsuccessful. The toll implementation and upcoming policy changes underscore the intersection of infrastructure funding, local mobility, and community response in regional transportation management.