MACKINAC BRIDGE — Roughly one-half inch of ice has formed on the upper cables and towers of the Mackinac Bridge following recent freezing rain, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority. The ice accumulation has led to a potential closure of the bridge over the coming days if the ice begins to fall toward the roadway.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge to traffic when ice poses a direct threat to vehicles and the people inside them. Chunks, sheets and spears of ice falling hundreds of feet from the towers can cause significant damage or even deadly injuries.
Temperatures in the Straits of Mackinac are predicted to remain below freezing for several days. However, gusty winds have the potential to loosen the accumulated ice on the structure. The bridge has already faced multiple closures due to weather this winter. Between Feb. 19 and Feb. 22, the bridge closed four times for a total of approximately 18 hours. These incidents occurred when ice conditions made travel across the span unsafe for the public.
Motorists can sign up for real-time updates through the Mackinac County 911 and Emergency Management RAVE Alert System. The system sends text messages to cellphones during partial or full closures caused by weather or other conditions. Notifications are also sent when a closure is reduced or when the bridge reopens to all traffic. To join the alert system, users can text “MacBridge” to 67283.