UPDATE: Mackinac Bridge open; high profile vehicles need an escort

UPDATE: Friday, February 21 8:49 p.m.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority re-opened the Mackinac Bridge, but high profile vehicles need an escort.

The MBA said all vehicles crossing the bridge need to use hazard lights and maintain a speed of 20 miles per hour.  No passing is allowed on the bridge.

Winds in the Straits area are blowing between 30-35 miles per hour, causing blowing snow.

The MBA is still monitoring wind speeds at various points along the structure, and is urging motorists to use extreme caution while approaching, and driving across, the bridge.

For the latest bridge conditions, click here.

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The Mackinac Bridge is closing down for the day due to high winds and low visibility. No word as to when the bridge will re-open again.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority re-opened the bridge to regular traffic at about 2:15 Friday morning after issuing a partial closure late Thursday night. The MBA was escorting high profile vehicles such as trucks across the bridge until shortly before 3:30. The MBA said winds blowing across the bridge surface in excess of 50 miles per hour were the reason for the initial closure.

The MBA is monitoring wind speeds at various points along the structure.

For the latest bridge conditions, click here.