New Statewide Poll: Michigan Voters Support the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel by Nearly 5-to-1 Margin

Written By Nikki O'Meara

A statewide poll of 1,004 Michigan voters conducted by Marketing Resource Group (MRG) in late December 2025 and early January 2026 finds strong support for construction of the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel. The poll shows 61% of voters support the project, while 13% oppose it, representing a nearly 5-to-1 support-to-opposition margin. Support is consistent across geographic regions and political affiliations, with energy affordability and reliability identified as the primary drivers.

Key Findings

  • Support: 61% of Michigan voters support construction of the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel

  • Opposition: 13% of Michigan voters oppose the project

  • Support Ratio: Nearly 5-to-1 in favor of construction

  • Bipartisan Support: Majority support among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents

  • Statewide Consensus: Support is consistent across regions of Michigan

Project Context
The Great Lakes Tunnel is a proposed underground tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac designed to house a replacement segment of Enbridge’s Line 5 energy pipeline. The project is intended to enhance environmental protection while maintaining the safe and reliable transportation of energy to Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region.

Support by Political Affiliation
Support for the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel spans all major political groups:

  *   Republicans: Highest level of support
  *   Democrats: Majority support
  *   Independents: Majority support

This indicates broad bipartisan agreement on the importance of the project.

Drivers of Voter Support
Energy affordability and reliability are central concerns among Michigan voters:

  *   Energy Affordability: 92% of voters say energy costs are an important part of their household budget
  *   Price Impact Concern: 74% of voters believe energy prices would increase if Line 5 were shut down

Voters who support the Tunnel cite its role in protecting consumers from higher energy costs while ensuring reliable energy supply.

Poll Methodology
  *   Polling Firm: Marketing Resource Group, LLC (MRG)
  *   Sample Size: 1,004 Michigan voters
  *   Methodology: Online panel survey
  *   Margin of Error: ±3 percentage points
  *   Field Dates: Late December 2025 – Early January 2026
  *   Commissioned By: Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition

About the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs Coalition
The Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition represents:

  *   More than 1 million Michigan workers
  *   Approximately 75,000 businesses
  *   Members across multiple industries and regions statewide

The coalition supports Line 5 and the Great Lakes Tunnel as essential components of Michigan’s energy infrastructure, emphasizing energy reliability, affordability, and economic stability.

Source Attribution:
Marketing Resource Group statewide poll of Michigan voters, commissioned by the Great Lakes Michigan Jobs coalition, January 2026.

Nikki O'Meara