Winter Surge Sends Mackinac Bridge to New Record

The winter of 2025–2026 was among the harshest ever recorded across much of Michigan, and the extreme conditions also contributed to a new record being set at the Mackinac Bridge.

Reasons for Closer of the Mackinac Bridge

Opened in 1957, the Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Whether you cross this remarkable structure by day or at night, it’s always a memorable experience.

There are a few reasons the “Mighty Mac” closes each year. One of them is the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, which shuts down the bridge from 6:30 a.m. to noon on the first Monday in September.

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Short-term closures can happen due to accidents, emergencies, or high-profile vehicle escorts. The bridge may also close when winds reach 65 mph or higher. However, the most common reason for closures is falling ice, typically between January and April.

Historic Winter: Mackinac Bridge Hits New Milestone

Michiganders know the weather can change at a moment’s notice, especially near the Great Lakes. Freezing rain can be a hazard on any road, but it creates even greater risks when bridges ice over, particularly one as large as the Mackinac Bridge.

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When freezing rain hits the Mackinac Bridge, the risk isn’t always immediate. Ice may only start falling once temperatures rise, meaning a driver could be crossing on a sunny day and suddenly face chunks of falling ice. Fortunately, no drivers have been injured over the years, though several vehicles have sustained damage.

According to WOOD-TV, severe weather caused the Mackinac Bridge to close a record 12 times this winter due to falling ice, the highest number since the bridge opened to public travel in 1957.

👇BELOW: Constructing the Mackinac Bridge, 1954-1957👇