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Mackinac Bridge reopened with wind restrictions

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WORKERS HOLD A CHUNK of ice more than an inch thick that recently fell on the Mackinac Bridge. The bridge, which connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, reopened Thursday after being closed Wednesday due to hazardous ice conditions, the third closure in as many days after a winter storm moved through the region. (Michigan Department of Transportation photo)

ST. IGNACE -- The Mackinac Bridge reopened at 9:49 a.m. Eastern time Thursday, but high winds meant certain vehicles were subject to restrictions.

Wind speeds of 35 to 49 mph in the Straits area led to the Mackinac Bridge Authority requiring an escort of certain "high profile" vehicles across the Mackinac Bridge.

The MBA posted an "all clear" notice by late evening.

The bridge had to be closed for hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday due to falling ice several inches thick in some spots. Ice falling from the bridge from flat surfaces may be as large as garage doors and spears and other chunks may fall hundreds of feet, according to the MBA.

Those planning to travel to the Straits area should tune to AM radio 530 or 1610 for updates on conditions.

Starting at /week.