Mackinac Bridge could close for falling ice. What to know this winter

Mackinac Bridge officers are warning the general public that the buildup of winter ice on the construction may drive the span’s closure indefinitely, and will plan accordingly.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) closes the bridge when ice falls from the cables and towers. Ice chunks, slabs and spears falling a whole lot of toes have broken automobiles and might injure or kill motorists.

“It’s inconceivable to say when this ice may fall from the bridge, leading to a closure, or if it may progressively soften with out incident,” bridge director Kim Nowack mentioned in a information launch. “We would like our prospects to pay attention to the potential of closures and know the best way to discover extra info in the event that they happen.”

This is what you want to know:

What number of instances is the bridge closed because of falling ice?

Since 1995, when MBA started monitoring the closures, the bridge has been closed 32 instances because of falling ice, about yearly.

The primary closure occurred because of falling ice and was recorded on January 30, 1998, with the bridge closed for 2 hours and 50 minutes. The latest was April 2-3, 2025, after an ice storm that hit northern Michigan and the U.P.

Can the Authority pace up the falling ice course of?

Throughout current ice closures, upkeep personnel drove absolutely loaded plow vehicles throughout the bridge to shake free the ice.

How lengthy does a typical closure of falling ice final?

The typical closure lasts about 5 hours and 54 minutes, the MBA says on its web site website.

How can I inform if the bridge is open?

Present bridge situations will be discovered on the Mackinac Bridge Authority website.

Moreover, motorists can pay attention whereas touring within the Mackinac Straits space 530 AM or 1610 AM for updates.

The Bridge Authority additionally posts advice and updates on his X account.

View Mackinac Bridge cams

Vacationers can use the Mackinac Bridge lugs on-line for updates. The photographs from a number of cameras are configured to robotically replace each 60 seconds.

Cameras seize the administration constructing trying south, the jetty at St. Ignace trying south; Bridge View Park in St. Ignace, trying south; from Mackinaw Metropolis, trying north; and St. Ignace, alongside Interstate 75.

How a lot does it price to cross the Mackinac Bridge?

Passenger vehicles, vans, bikes, station wagons, SUVs, pick-ups and college buses cost $2 per axle or $4 per vehicle, mentioned the Authority. (A van is a car with two axles and 4 tires, not primarily supposed for the transportation of freight or business items.)

Different automobiles all price $5 per axle. Autos that don’t meet the traits of passenger vehicles, together with, however not restricted to, tractor items, buses, campers and boarding or dice vans, the Authority mentioned.

All automobiles are labeled primarily based on the lead car. All the pieces towed can be charged on the charge per axle of the principle car, aside from the camper towing a automobile. The automobile charge can be charged for the towed automobile.

Do I would like money to pay the bridge charge?

The Mackinac Bridge accepts money, credit score/debit playing cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Frequent vacationers can register for this MacPass and procure a transponder for his or her windshield. The tolls add a 2.3% fee for utilizing a bank card.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter on the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.