Drivers Warned About Ice Falling From Mackinac Bridge

If you're planning to cross the Mackinac Bridge in the next couple of days, you may want to have a backup plan.

Officials with the Mackinac Bridge Authority say the bridge could temporarily close again as large amounts of ice remain stuck to the massive cables and towers above the roadway according to MLive

Why Ice Falling From the Mackinac Bridge Is Dangerous

Forecasters say temperatures in the Straits of Mackinac are expected to climb above freezing late Friday morning. At the same time, winds are expected to pick up. That combination could loosen the ice and send it crashing down onto the bridge deck below.

And we’re not talking about small chunks. Officials say sheets of ice the size of garage doors and spear-like icicles up to 20 feet long have already been seen falling from the bridge.

Recent Mackinac Bridge Closures Explained

The bridge has already been shut down four different times between February 19 and February 22 because of falling ice concerns. Altogether, those closures added up to about 18 hours. Bridge Director Kim Nowack says it’s impossible to predict exactly when the ice could start falling.

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From major damage to vehicles crossing the bridge, or damage to their own maintenance vehicles, officials say it could suddenly break loose and force an immediate shutdown. Or it could simply melt slowly without causing any issues. Either way, drivers are being warned to stay alert and be prepared for possible closures.

The five-mile bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, making it one of the most important travel routes in the state. When it closes, traffic quickly backs up in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The bridge authority closes the span whenever ice begins falling from the towers or cables as a safety precaution. Large chunks can damage vehicles and potentially injure drivers.

A video released by the bridge authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation shows massive pieces of ice shattering when they hit the roadway. Since officials began tracking these incidents in 1995, the bridge has been closed 32 times due to falling ice. On average, that’s about once per year. The longest shutdown happened April 2 and 3 of 2025, when the bridge stayed closed for more than 30 hours.

How Drivers Can Check Mackinac Bridge Conditions

Travelers who want real-time updates can sign up for alerts by texting MacBridge to 67283 through the Mackinac County emergency alert system. Officials say it’s the fastest way to know if the bridge suddenly closes.