ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The Mackinac Bridge Authority is warning drivers about falling ice from the bridge’s upper cables and towers and the potential for safety closures.
Winds are expected to increase today in the Straits, and temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing after 11 a.m., which could loosen accumulated ice.
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When ice falls from the bridge’s towers and cables, the authority closes the bridge to traffic for safety.
Ice chunks, sheets and spears can fall hundreds of feet and damage cars. They also have the potential to injure or kill drivers.
“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,” said Bridge Director Kim Nowack.
This winter, the bridge closed four times for around 18 hours due to falling ice between Feb. 19 and Feb. 22.
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.