Tunnel project moves closer to construction after Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority vote

February 16, 2022

Enbridge is investing in a reliable and affordable energy future for Michigan and the region while enhancing environmental safeguards in the Straits.

Today, the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) concurred with the authority’s staff recommendation that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Tunnel Project construction contractor meets all requirements specified in the Tunnel Project Agreement between Enbridge and the State of Michigan.

Enbridge has assembled a world-class team for the project, and with the MSCA’s concurrence today Enbridge is prepared to issue the RFP to select a construction contractor to build this critical utility infrastructure modernization project.

Enbridge will continue to advance the project, which Enbridge will pay for, and which nearly 70 percent of Michiganders support. Once we receive all permits, we are committed to starting construction within the timeframe stated in the Tunnel Agreement with the State of Michigan.

To date, Enbridge has invested more than $100 million on the project. Enbridge remains intensely focused on obtaining the required permits to construct the project. While we do so, Enbridge is committed to the sustained and safe operation of Line 5 and has demonstrated that commitment with our enhanced safety measures in the Straits, which include 24/7 monitoring of ship traffic.

Placing the pipeline in a new Great Lakes Tunnel will provide extra layers of safety and environmental protection making a safe pipeline even safer, while creating Michigan jobs and securing the energy consumers in Michigan and the region rely on every single day to live their lives and fuel the economy.