MDOT responding to northern lower Michigan ice storm

GAYLORD, Mich. - As northern lower Michigan waits for thawing ice, reestablishment of electrical and Internet services, and clearing of trees from roadways, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working to support those efforts. 

Accumulating ice on trees, power lines, structures and roadways north of M-72 and east of US-131 has left tens of thousands of residences and businesses without power, often without heat, as temperatures dipped into the teens overnight, exacerbating conditions. Sunny skies and temperatures expected to reach into the mid-30s are expected to help melt the ice, but another round of precipitation and winds in the next few days may cause worsening conditions.

On March 31, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the area affected by the ice storm, including Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac, and Alpena counties.

MDOT maintenance workers from facilities in Kalkaska, Atlanta and Mio are working on state highways in their home and adjacent counties to ensure they stay open for movement of utility crews and relief supplies. They'll assist county road commissions, city public works departments, utility companies and emergency services wherever possible. 

"MDOT crews from our maintenance facilities are assisting where they can, but they're far from alone in those efforts," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. "We know that many residents are stuck where they are with limited supplies, and all agencies are working together to provide relief as soon as possible."

In addition to conditions on northern Lower Peninsula roadways, the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) is also contending with accumulated ice on the bridge's towers and cables. Falling ice necessitated closing the bridge to all traffic for three hours March 31, and again today. 

For updates on the Mackinac Bridge closures, check condition reports on their website at MackinacBridge.org, on X @MackinacBridge, or by signing up for text alerts by texting "MacBridge" to 67283.

The MBA has posted a video message on X from Bridge Director Kim Nowack about the falling ice, along with some photos from the bridge.

Drivers are reminded to check the Mi Drive traffic website for the latest lane restrictions and closures on state roads (I, M and US routes).