Wind Archives | Mackinac Bridge Authority

Does the bridge sway during high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

Nope, and it doesn’t bounce either. The deck of the bridge is designed to be somewhat flexible, moving up and down slightly as the distribution of weight changes from vehicles (and pedestrians during the bridge walk). While a sustained wind can cause the suspended span to deflect slightly, the bridge doesn’t sw… Read More

Any other incidents involving vehicles affected by high winds?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

There have been a few other instances where winds have caused high-profile vehicles to tip over on the bridge. In July 2013, a truck tipped against the bridge railing. In December 2022, a mobile office trailer tipped over against the bridge railing. In both cases, the bridge was closed until the vehicles could be clea… Read More

Can vehicles blow off the bridge during high wind?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

No vehicle has ever “blown off” the Mackinac Bridge. Despite the rumors and legends, it’s never happened. More than 200 million vehicles have crossed the bridge since it opened in November 1957. Only two vehicles have ever gone over the railing of the bridge:

On Sept. 22, 1989, a Yugo compact car went over the ra

Where can I get current conditions at the Mackinac Bridge?

Posted on February 14th, 2023

We always post current conditions and any advisories or closures on our website: https://www.MackinacBridge.org/Fares-Traffic/Conditions/. We also post those updates on our X account: @MackinacBridge. People who are interested in receiving text messages about bridge closures, including closure informa… Read More

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