The Mackinac Bridge—Michigan’s iconic five-mile link between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas—shut down Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025. Ice crashing down from the bridge’s towers and suspension cables forced the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) to halt all traffic, leaving drivers stuck and travelers scrambling for alternate routes. As of noq, there’s no word on when it’ll reopen. With snow falling and winds gusting up to 50 mph, it’s a rough day to cross the Straits of Mackinac.
The MBA warned drivers on X (formerly Twitter) that ice was falling from high above, urging speeds under 20 mph. The threat wasn’t new—ice buildup from a storm last Friday (March 28) had been tracked all weekend, after heavy snow and freezing rain coated northern Michigan. By Monday night, the situation worsened—falling ice made conditions “hazardous,” and by Tuesday morning, the bridge was completely closed. “We’re keeping it shut until the ice stops dropping,” the MBA.
It’s not uncommon. The Mackinac Bridge has closed 29 times due to falling ice since 1998, per the MBA. Most closures last a few hours, though the record—20 hours—shows just how unpredictable it can be. Today’s icefall followed a warm spell that melted snow off the bridge’s 300-foot towers, only for it to refreeze and break loose when strong winds returned. The bridge has no de-icing system, so when ice falls, crews wait it out. One recent video posted by the MBA showed chunks crashing to the road, warning drivers of the risk to life and property.
The closure’s causing headaches on both ends. Traffic is backed up in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, and with no reopen time, many are just waiting it out. The MBA urged people to stay clear so crews can move around and keep roads clear, advising drivers to tune in to AM 530 or 1610, or check their website for updates.
Right now, though, it just says:
“CLOSED – no updates.”
A winter storm warning remains in effect across northern Michigan through Wednesday morning, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected and more high winds, per the National Weather Service. Power’s out in some towns as ice and wind snap power lines, and gas stations are struggling to stay open. Early Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, calling it a “travel nightmare” for the state on this April 1st spring travel day.
The Mackinac Bridge, a major artery of Interstate 75, has seen over 200 million crossings since it opened in 1957. It last closed on February 6 due to high winds. While most ice closures last about five hours, today’s event could run longer with heavy snow and ongoing ice fall.