FAQs Archive | Page 6 of 12 | Mackinac Bridge Authority

What other weather results in warnings or closures of the bridge?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

We do issue warnings when the bridge deck is icy, which is particularly noteworthy because we do not apply salt due to concerns about corrosion of the bridge’s steel components. Though rare, we have closed the bridge for whiteout conditions, freezing rain events coupled with high winds, and, of course, falling ic… Read More

What do I do if I’m not comfortable driving across during high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Drivers who do not feel comfortable driving across the Mackinac Bridge can have staff from the Mackinac Bridge drive their vehicle through the Driver Assistance Program. Drivers and passengers must be 18 years of age or older. The required liability waiver has been updated, and staff will complete a checklist of se… Read More

Why do you tell drivers to turn on lights, slow down and use the outside lanes during high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

During inclement weather (and we consider high winds inclement weather), we urge drivers to turn on their lights so they are visible to other drivers, slow down so they can maintain control of their vehicles, and stay in the outside lane as that is the lane for slower traffic (it has nothing to do with the deck grating ve… Read More

What’s the difference between northbound and southbound escorts? Where and how do vehicles line up for escorts?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

The main difference is where vehicles queue for escorts. On the north side of the bridge, southbound high-profile vehicles will line up just past the toll booths on the west side of the bridge approaches. On the south side, northbound vehicles will line up on the east side of the bridge approaches, just past Jamet Stre… Read More

What good do escorts do?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Our escorts, led by MBA vehicles, keep escorted vehicles to speeds of 20 mph or less. Slower speeds help drivers of high-profile vehicles maintain control during high winds.… Read More

Does the wind direction affect my safe crossing?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Wind direction is less of a factor than wind speed. Winds are typically from the west/northwest in the Straits, but sometimes it does come from different directions. What’s most important is for drivers to slow down during high wind events so they can maintain control of their vehicles regardless of wind directio… Read More

How are winds measured at the bridge?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

The Mackinac Bridge Authority has wind gauges on the bridge that we use to determine wind advisories and closures.… Read More

Why does my truck bed need to be empty during partial closures? Why can’t I have a tonneau cover? It stays on when I’m driving 75 on the expressway. What about camper awnings?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Though our maximum speed limit on the bridge is 45 mph (and lower during high wind conditions), unfortunately we have seen many tonneau covers that stay on at freeway speeds come loose on the bridge. For whatever reason, high wind at the Straits seems to be stronger than tonneau fastening systems. When a tonneau cover… Read More

What vehicles are considered high-profile?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

When considering a high-wind escort or partial closure, high-profile vehicles would include but are not limited to:

Semi-tractor trailers
Recreational vehicles and campers
Pickup trucks with cappers, tonneau covers, or any items in the truck bed
Panel trucks and vans
Enclosed trailers (such as snowmobile or AT

How did the Mackinac Bridge Authority determine what wind speeds resulted in advisories and closures?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

The current procedures were developed primarily through years of experience, learning what wind speeds cause issues for particular vehicles. We’ve learned lessons from previous incidents, improved the devices we use to measure the wind, the way we convey that information through message boards and the bridg… Read More