ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The Mackinac Bridge Authority is alerting drivers about ice forming on the bridge’s upper cables and towers.
This buildup raises concerns about possible traffic closures in the coming days or weeks due to falling ice.
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When ice breaks loose from the bridge’s towers and cables, the MBA closes the bridge to traffic to protect public safety.
Large chunks, sheets, and spears of ice can fall hundreds of feet, posing serious risks to vehicles and their occupants.
Since 1995, the Mackinac Bridge has closed 32 times because of falling ice, with each closure lasting an average of nearly six hours.
These incidents have caused vehicle damage and could potentially injure or even kill drivers and passengers.
“It’s impossible to say when this ice could begin falling from the bridge, resulting in a closure, or if it could gradually melt without incident,” Bridge Director Kim Nowack said. “We want our customers to be aware of the possibility of closures and know how to find more information if they occur.”
Mackinac County 911 uses its RAVE Alert System to send updates and closure information directly to users’ cell phones whenever the bridge experiences partial or full closures due to weather or other conditions.
Notifications are also sent when closures are lifted or reduced.