High winds cause partial closure at Mackinac Bridge
MACKINAW CITY — Due to high winds, the Mackinac Bridge Authority announced a partial closure on Friday afternoon.
According to the authority, winds of 50-64 mph are being experienced in the Straits area. The Mackinac Bridge is closed to all vehicles except passenger cars, passenger vans and empty pickup trucks — no tonneau covers, bed caps or similar items are permitted. Winds are blowing across the bridge surface in excess of 50 miles per hour.
Motorists are being instructed to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour as they approach the bridge and be prepared to stop. Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions regarding how and when to proceed across the bridge.
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While passenger cars, passenger vans and empty pick-up trucks are being permitted to cross, drivers are asked to exercise appropriate caution. Strong winds are blowing across the surface of the bridge. The authority asks motorists to drive 20 miles per hour or less.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority is monitoring wind speeds at various points along the structure. Additional steps will be implemented if conditions change. When conditions improve, the bridge will be reopened to all vehicles, although certain vehicles may still require an escort. If you are planning to travel to the Straits area, please tune to AM radio 530 or 1610 for updates.
For more information, visit www.mackinacbridge.org.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: High winds cause partial closure at Mackinac Bridge
