Mackinac Bridge closed again due to falling ice

St. Ignace – The Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas has been closed for a second time Wednesday due to falling ice, state officials said.

It was closed at 1:30 p.m.

Previously, the Mackinac Bridge Authority said the bridge reopened at about 10:39 a.m. Wednesday after it was shutdown as a precaution when ice came off the cables and towers of the bridge. Officials first closed the bridge at about 8:45 a.m.

The bridge has been shut down several times this year due to the weather. Motorists are advised to be prepared to stop, and updates are being posted online. The 5-mile bridge goes across the Straits of Mackinac between lakes Michigan and Huron.

The shutdown comes amid wintry weather in Michigan, including cold temperatures and recent snowfall at the bridge.

Detroit News writer Charles E. Ramirez contributed.