Mackinac Bridge Was Just Closed for the Longest It's Ever Been

Massive ice storms rocked Northern Michigan over the weekend, and as a result, the iconic Mackinac Bridge was forced to close several times.

It reopened this morning after being closed for longer than it had ever been closed before.

⬇️24 Bridges to Enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula That Aren't the Mackinac Bridge ⬇️

The bridge originally closed just after 2:30 a.m. on April 2, 2025.

Wendy Reed/Townsquare Media

The Mackinac Bridge Authority shared a video of falling ice that was captured just before the closure was announced.

The closure led to a lot of issues across the Upper Peninsula, including a gas shortage at many gas stations. Most of the Eastern Upper Peninsula relies on trucks with supplies like groceries and fuel to make their way across the Mackinac Bridge to deliver to area stores and gas stations.

Early Thursday morning, while the bridge was still closed, it was also noticed that power was out to a large portion of the Mighty Mac.

What is the Longest Michigan's Mackinac Bridge Has Ever Been Closed?

Those who live in or frequent the U.P. know that the bridge can close for various reasons, though it's generally due to high winds or falling ice.

The previous record for the amount of time that the bridge had been closed was set in February of 2015 when the bridge was closed for 20 hours and 15 minutes.

This most recent closure, which spanned from the early morning hours of April 2, 2025, went on for 30 hours, with the bridge officially reopening at 8:35 a.m. on April 3, 2025.

Wendy Reed/Townsquare Media

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While the bridge reopening is great news, as of now, the Straits of Mackinac are still experiencing high winds, which means that all "high profile" vehicles must go across the bridge with an escort. That includes semi trucks and trucks with trailers.

What should you do if you need to get across the bridge and it's closed? Well, there are some options, but none of them are ideal.

24 Bridges to Enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that Aren't the Mackinac Bridge

Some people just don't enjoy crossing the majestic Mackinac Bridge. For others it's not in the route of thier travel. There are at least 24 other bridges that travelers can use to enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here they are from east to west