Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Complete Guide: Bridge Pass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Complete Guide
System: Bridge Pass RFID + Cash/Credit Card payment
Coverage: Single swing bridge crossing Detroit River's Trenton Channel
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Bridge Pass tags, License plate recognition, Manual toll collection
Operator: Grosse Ile Township (acquired March 31, 2025 from Grosse Ile Bridge Company)
Do I Need a Bridge Pass for Grosse Ile Toll Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a Bridge Pass to cross the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - but you'll save 25% with one. This historic swing bridge connects Grosse Ile Township to mainland Riverview, Michigan, and is the only vehicular access to the island's north end.
Key Reality: Without a Bridge Pass, you'll pay $3.50 cash or $4.50 credit card versus $3.00 with the prepaid Bridge Pass system. For daily commuters, the savings exceed the $25 refundable deposit cost in just 42 round trips.
2025 Update: Grosse Ile Township officially purchased the bridge from the Grosse Ile Bridge Company on March 31, 2025, with new digital Bridge Pass system experiencing initial rollout issues but now functioning for 90%+ of users.
Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Costs: Current Rates
The Grosse Ile Toll Bridge operates as a one-way toll facility (tolls collected only when heading TO Grosse Ile) with rates based on vehicle axle count and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Cash Rate | Credit Card Rate | Bridge Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, SUVs, Pickups, Motorcycles (Class 1) | $3.50 | $4.50 | $3.00 |
| 2-Axle Trucks (Class 2) | $7.00 | $9.00 | $6.00 |
| 3-Axle Trucks (Class 3) | $10.50 | $13.50 | $9.00 |
| 4-Axle Trucks (Class 4) | $14.00 | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| 5+ Axle Trucks (Class 5-6) | $17.50+ | $22.50+ | $15.00+ |
Bridge Details & Operation
Bridge Type: Swing bridge (opens for marine traffic)
Length: 0.2 miles (1,056 feet) across Detroit River's Trenton Channel
Opening Schedule: 7 AM - 11 PM: Opens only 3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the hour and half-hour for pleasure craft. 11 PM - 7 AM: Opens on signal for all vessels.
How to Pay Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls on the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge:
1. Bridge Pass Electronic System:
- $65 initial purchase: $40 prepaid tolls + $25 refundable deposit
- Class 1 vehicles: $3.00 per one-way crossing (26 crossings with initial purchase)
- Automatic account replenishment available
- Works with multiple vehicles of same class
2. Cash Payment:
- Exact change preferred at toll booth
- Available 24/7 at toll plaza
- Higher rate than Bridge Pass system
3. Credit/Debit Card:
- Highest toll rates (25% premium over Bridge Pass)
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted
- Available at toll booth during staffed hours
4. License Plate Billing:
- High-speed cameras capture license plates
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Higher rates than other payment methods
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types for the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge, use TollGuru Michigan toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Ownership Transfer:
- March 31, 2025: Grosse Ile Township officially purchased bridge from Grosse Ile Bridge Company
- $59.74 million bond issue approved by township voters
- Paul J. Smoke (great-grandson of original builder) completed sale to township
Technology Updates:
- New digital Bridge Pass system implemented during ownership transfer
- Initial software glitches affected online account reloading (resolved for 90%+ users)
- Bridge Pass reloading available at toll booth via cash, check, or credit card
Operational Changes:
- New Bridge Pass tag applications available at toll booth
- Enhanced customer service with township management
- Temporary shortage of Bridge Pass tags (1,000 new tags ordered)
Michigan Toll Bridge Information
Michigan Toll Bridges - Limited Network:
- Mackinac Bridge - Connects Upper and Lower Peninsula, $4.00 cars
- Michigan Toll Roads - Complete guide to all Michigan toll facilities
- Blue Water Bridge - Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario, $4.00 cars
- Ambassador Bridge - Detroit to Windsor, $7.00 cars
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Underground crossing, $6.50 cars
Regional Detroit River Crossings:
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge - Only access to Grosse Ile Township north end
- Ambassador Bridge - Commercial and passenger traffic to Windsor
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Alternative passenger route
- Free Wayne County Bridge - Southern access to Grosse Ile (no toll)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuters: Bridge Pass pays for itself in 21 round trips
- Occasional visitors: Cash payment most practical
- Commercial vehicles: Bridge Pass essential for regular deliveries
- Round-trip cost: $7.00 cash, $9.00 credit card, $6.00 Bridge Pass
Bridge Opening Schedule:
- Peak hours (7 AM - 11 PM): Opens only at scheduled times for pleasure craft
- Commercial vessels: Priority opening during peak hours
- Overnight (11 PM - 7 AM): Opens on signal for all vessels
- Winter season (Dec 15 - Mar 15): 12-hour advance notice required
Toll-Free Alternative:
- Wayne County Bridge (West Jefferson): Free access to Grosse Ile south end
- Additional travel time: 10-15 minutes via island's internal roads
- Best for visitors to southern/central parts of island
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge?
Yes, you can use the free Wayne County Bridge on West Jefferson to access Grosse Ile's south end, then drive north on the island. This adds 10-15 minutes but avoids the toll entirely.
What happens if I don't pay the toll?
License plate recognition cameras capture images of non-paying vehicles. You'll receive an invoice in the mail with the toll amount plus administrative fees. Failure to pay can result in collection action.
Do I pay tolls in both directions?
No, the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge only collects tolls when traveling TO Grosse Ile (eastbound). Return trips to the mainland are free.
Can I use E-ZPass on the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge?
No, Michigan toll bridges do not accept E-ZPass. The Grosse Ile Toll Bridge uses its own Bridge Pass system, with cash and credit card as alternatives.
How long does the bridge stay open for boats?
During peak hours (7 AM - 11 PM), the bridge opens for pleasure craft only during a 6-minute window around each hour and half-hour. Commercial vessels get priority opening. At night, it opens on signal for all vessels.
Grosse Ile vs. Regional Toll Bridges
| Bridge | System Type | Car Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grosse Ile Toll Bridge | Bridge Pass + Cash/Credit | $3.00-4.50 | One-way only |
| Mackinac Bridge | MacPass + Cash | $4.00 | One-way only |
| Ambassador Bridge | Cash + Electronic | $7.00 USD | International crossing |
| Blue Water Bridge | EDGE Pass + Credit | $4.00 USD | International crossing |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Michigan Toll Roads - Complete guide to all Michigan toll facilities
- Mackinac Bridge - Upper-Lower Peninsula connector
- Ambassador Bridge - Detroit to Windsor crossing
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Alternative Canada crossing
- Blue Water Bridge - Port Huron to Sarnia crossing
- Michigan Toll Rates - Current rates for all facilities
Bridge Management:
- Grosse Ile Township: (734) 676-4422 - Bridge administration
- Bridge Pass Customer Service: (734) 282-2914 - Account management
- Email: tollbridge@grosseile.com - General inquiries
- Bridge Pass Office: 8 AM - 4 PM weekdays (complex transactions)
