ST. IGNACE (WWJ) -- It's official: The 200 millionth vehicle has passed over the Mackinac Bridge since its opening on Nov. 1, 1957.
After driving across the Mighty Mac at 6:18 p.m. on Wednesday, the Dalman family of Tawas City now has bragging rights and the sole claim to this milestone.
Kurt Dalman was driving, with passengers Anna Dalman, and their children, Seth and Teresa.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, member Caroline Cheeseman and MBA staff met the Dalmans outside on the toll plaza after they drove their 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid through the booths, paying $4 cash in the northbound direction.
"We’re headed to Pictured Rocks. This will be the kids’ first big hike," Anna Dalman said. "We were very surprised. We had no idea [this milestone was coming up]."
They presented the family with a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge, while the executive director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce and the executive director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau gave them a gift basket full of local items.
Related
"It's our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it's only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge's 65-year history," Gleason said. "The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it's remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time."
On Sept. 6, 2009, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge.
Related
!["It'll crush ya; it'll kill ya." Video highlights dangers of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge [WATCH]](https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/GettyImages940700124-1a29ee19-5c99-4f9f-af80-8e662b917595.jpg?crop=16:9)