Falling Ice Archives | Mackinac Bridge Authority

Where can I see videos of falling ice?

Posted on March 31st, 2023

Some photos and videos have been included in a video about the dangers of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge.… Read More

What about in cases of emergencies? I have to get to a medical appointment, or my child is alone at home, or I need my medication and don’t have it with me. Will you let me cross then?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

The Authority can’t be the arbitrator for what constitutes an emergency. If you approach our staff asking to cross due to an emergency, you are welcome to call 911, or they can do so for you, and law enforcement officers can (as appropriate) take the necessary steps to get you across for your emergency situation.… Read More

So you say the bridge is closed, but who’s going to stop me?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

Not us, as we’re not a law enforcement agency, but our partners with local police departments and the Michigan State Police sure will. In fact, they’ve done it before, and those who have tried didn’t make it across. We urge you not to attempt it.… Read More

I hear what the Authority is saying about the danger of falling ice, but I’m willing to take the risk. I mean, what are the chances? I’ll sign a liability waiver; why can’t you just let me go?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

We can’t, and won’t, allow non-emergency traffic across the bridge during a falling ice closure. We’ve seen up close the size and shape of the ice that falls from the towers and cables, as well as the damage it has done to vehicles over the years. A piece like that coming through your windshield from 300 feet up? De… Read More

So I’ve been stranded in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City due to a falling ice closure and I have no idea how long the closure will last. What is the Mackinac Bridge Authority doing to make sure I don’t run out of gas, or provide restroom facilities, or provide food or beverages?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

While we certainly sympathize with being stuck in a closure of uncertain duration, the Authority isn’t equipped to aid travelers in that way. We do know from experience that the two communities have responded to the needs of travelers during past closures, though nobody likes to be unexpectedly delayed. We won�… Read More

I wouldn’t travel to the bridge if I thought there was a possibility of a closure. How can I find out when the bridge might have to close for falling ice, and how can I find out when the bridge has been reopened?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

The Authority website (www.MackinacBridge.org/conditions) is updated with current travel conditions for the bridge, including closures. Closure information is also posted on the Authority’s X page, @MackinacBridge. People who are interested in receiving text messages about bridge closures can sign up f… Read More

Why doesn’t the Authority provide regular updates during a falling ice closure about when the bridge will reopen?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

Simply put, it’s because we don’t know when the bridge will reopen. Once ice begins falling from the towers or cables, shaken loose though higher winds or rising temperatures, it’s impossible to know when that will end. Sometimes closures end because the ice has melted and completely cleared; sometimes it�… Read More

Has the Authority considered building a second deck on the bridge, one that could shield traffic from falling ice?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

Not really. The Authority is currently saving up to replace the existing deck, at an estimated cost of several hundred million dollars, but it’s unlikely the current superstructure could support a second deck. Again, for the few times falling ice closes the bridge, and the relatively short duration of those clos… Read More

Has the Authority tried shooting fireworks or driving a bulldozer across the bridge to shake the ice loose? How about a fruit or nut tree shaker, or loud horns?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

We’ve heard many ideas to shake ice loose from the bridge, and while some of them might have some limited potential success, they also come with risks of damaging the structure. We’ve also heard some far more outlandish ideas: shooting it down (yes, with guns), using hair dryers attached to drones, or blasting th… Read More

Why doesn’t the Authority install heat cables to the surfaces that ice up, or run a current through the bridge’s metal structure to prevent ice from forming?

Posted on November 10th, 2022

Some type of heating system could be possible but running a current through the bridge could result in corrosion of some bridge components, and heat cables would be costly to install and maintain. Other methods, such as devices that “patrol” cables to prevent ice from forming, are being tried on other bridges, b… Read More