LANSING, Mich. – The Mackinac Bridge, a vital link between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, has been closed temporarily due to the dangerous accumulation of falling ice. The closure comes in the wake of intense ice storms that have impacted the northern part of the state, prompting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), it remains unclear how long the ice will continue to fall or when it will be safe for the bridge to reopen. The department is actively monitoring the situation and urges motorists to check for updates before planning travel.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority has confirmed that this marks the 30th closure due to falling ice in the past 30 years. The bridge, which spans five miles and connects St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula with Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula, has experienced a range of closures in the past, from brief shutdowns lasting just 37 minutes to lengthy closures that extended for more than 20 hours.
Falling ice from the bridge poses a significant safety risk to travelers. According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, large sheets of ice, some as big as garage doors, have the potential to damage vehicles, including caving in windshields and roofs. To mitigate the threat, maintenance crews have previously used fully loaded plows to traverse the bridge, attempting to shake loose the ice and prevent further hazards.
The current closure highlights the unpredictability of Michigan’s winter weather, which can bring swift and extreme conditions. As of now, the MDOT has not provided a timeline for when the bridge will reopen, urging drivers to take caution and seek alternate routes in the meantime.
Motorists are advised to stay informed through official updates from MDOT and the Mackinac Bridge Authority for the latest information on the bridge’s status.
