A powerful winter storm brought traffic to a standstill on one of Michigan's most critical routes today, as the Mackinac Bridge was closed to all vehicles starting at 10:37 a.m. Officials cited sharply reduced visibility and growing concerns about ice falling from the bridge's towering cables. The closure cut the crucial I-75 connection between the Lower and Upper peninsulas and quickly tangled travel plans across the region. Authorities said the bridge will stay closed until crews and weather experts decide it is safe to move again.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Reports Ice on Cables
The Mackinac Bridge Authority reported that roughly a half-inch of ice had built up on the upper cables and towers after recent freezing rain. With gusty winds sweeping the Straits, that ice could start breaking loose at any time. "It's impossible to say when this ice could begin falling from the bridge," Bridge Director Kim Nowack said, according to the authority. Crews are monitoring conditions at multiple points along the span and will only reopen the bridge once they are confident the threat has eased.
NWS Warns of Widespread Impacts
The NWS in Gaylord kept a winter storm warning in effect for much of the Upper Peninsula and the far northern tip of the Lower Peninsula through early Saturday. Forecasters warned that power outages and tree damage are likely and that travel could be nearly impossible at times. As if one storm were not enough, the office also highlighted a winter storm watch from late Saturday night into Monday as a second system eyes the region.
Closures Have Piled Up This Season
The Mackinac Bridge Authority noted that the span has already shut down four times between Feb. 19 and Feb. 22 this winter for falling-ice concerns, adding up to about 18 hours of closures and surpassing what is typical for an ice-heavy season. Friday's full closure began at 10:37 a.m., as reported by CBS Detroit, and officials urged drivers to brace for delays as they reassess the situation.
How Drivers Should Prepare
Transportation officials are urging drivers to skip nonessential trips while the storm warnings remain in effect. Motorists can track statewide lane and closure updates through the Michigan Department of Transportation traffic site. MDOT and the Mackinac Bridge Authority also pointed out that the MBA issues condition alerts and offers text notifications for travelers who want real-time updates on bridge status.
Watch Official Channels for Updates
Officials emphasized that conditions are changing quickly and that the Mackinac Bridge will reopen only when it is safe. Anyone planning to cross the Straits should keep a close eye on official traffic reports and National Weather Service forecasts before heading out, or risk a very long and snowy detour.
