ST. IGNACE — Falling ice closures are always possible at Mackinac Bridge, bridge officials advise.

Here are some fast facts:

• When ice falls from the bridge’s towers and cables, the Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge to traffic for safety.  

• Ice chunks, sheets and spears that fall hundreds of feet from the bridge’s towers and cables have damaged vehicles and have the potential to injure or kill vehicle occupants.

• Prior to this winter, the Mackinac Bridge has been closed due to falling ice 32 times since 1995, for an average duration of five hours and 54 minutes per closure.

When ice falls from the bridge’s towers and cables, the Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge to traffic for safety. Ice chunks, sheets and spears that fall hundreds of feet from the bridge’s towers and cables have damaged vehicles and have the potential to injure or kill vehicle occupants.

“It’s impossible to say when this ice could begin falling from the bridge, resulting in a closure, or if it could gradually melt without incident,” said bridge Director Kim Nowack. “We want our customers to be aware of the possibility of closures and know how to find more information if they occur.”