ST. IGNACE, Mich. (WZMQ) – According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, rapid changes in temperature have led to many concerns of melting and falling ice this winter. The MBA has closed the bridge 12 times this season, a record high since it began recording closures in 1995.
“It doesn’t happen every year, some years we only have one or two closures, but this year was quite significant,” said Bridge Director, Kim Nowack. “We don’t like inconveniencing anyone, we just know once it starts falling we’re going to close.”
Each time a delay is recorded, its duration will typically depend on the time of day and current temperature.
“There is no typical closure, but falling ice is one of the trickier ones,” explained Nowack. “We may know exactly when to close it, but opening is a little bit different because we have to estimate if it’s all done falling.”
The MBA handles 24/7 maintenance of the bridge. As unpredictable as it is, falling ice can be dangerous to both the public and bridge workers at any time.
“We’ve lost several windshields on our own maintenance vehicles and windshields on public vehicles,” said Nowack. “Fortunately, no one has been hurt, and we’d like to keep it that way.”
During frustrating layovers for those trying to cross the bridge, both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace communities have been there to pass the time.
“At our local library, we’ve had a lot of people paying games and reading, and churches on either side have set up warming shelters,” said Nowack. “The communities come together to help the people stuck in line.”
WZMQ 19 News will stay updated with the bridge as closures may continue. For daily conditions at the Mackinac Bridge, visit mackinacbridge.org.
