Updated October 8, 2008
MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY
WIND WARNING, ESCORT AND BRIDGE CLOSURE PROCEDURES
A.
INTRODUCTION
In the interest of public safety, the Mackinac Bridge Authority reserves the right to limit or
restrict use of the Mackinac Bridge during adverse weather conditions. The following
procedures provide general guidance to Mackinac Bridge Authority personnel during
adverse wind conditions. Other adverse conditions such as fog, blowing snow, and
accidents may be reason for entering a mode sooner than what is outlined in these
procedures.
Wind speed is to be determined by the Bridge Services supervisor using the wind monitor
closest to the direction of the prevailing winds. If this monitor is out of service, use the
second bridge monitor. If both monitors are not operating, the supervisor will ask the
Shift Leader to use the hand-held anemometer to record the measurements near
midspan where the main cable will not interfere with the wind. Wind direction is not to be
considered when implementing these procedures except for determining which wind
monitor to read.
B.
WIND SUSCEPTIBLE VEHICLES
Wind susceptible vehicles are those vehicles that have historically shown adverse
reaction to high wind conditions on the bridge.
Examples of "wind susceptible vehicles" include:
1. Box trucks - i.e. Ryder, U-Haul.
2. Semi tractor-trailer with enclosed box.
3. Any vehicle trailer combination pulling a boat.
4. All trailers with side walls over two feet in height.
5. Vehicles with canoes, small boats or luggage (including bicycles) attached.
6. All motorcycles.
7. Pickup trucks with campers on back.
8. All motor homes, travel trailers and campers.
9. All buses.
10. Pickup trucks with caps (toppers) exceeding one foot above the truck cab.
Generally not included are:
1. Cylindrical shaped tractor-trailers (loaded or empty); i.e. fuel oil, gasoline, milk.
2. Flat bed semi tractor-trailer empty.
3. Flat bed semi tractor-trailer with logs, steel, etc. over 80,000 GVW.
4. Flat bed semi loaded with heavy equipment or machinery.
5. Vehicle pulling open trailer with snowmobiles, motorcycles or four-wheelers.
6. Semi tractor only (no trailer).
7. Pickup trucks with caps (toppers) less than one foot above truck cab.
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Updated October 8, 2008
C.
WARNING MODE
The warning mode is to be put into operation when the average wind speed reaches 20
mph and remains at that level or higher for five (5) minutes.
- Supervisor will alert the southbound collectors to caution all drivers of wind susceptible
vehicles to reduce their speed to 20 mph, to turn on their four-way flashers, and to drive
in the right-hand (outside) lane.
- Supervisor will change the message boards, radio message and web site to the
"WARNING" mode.
- Warning mode may be discontinued once winds have subsided below 20 mph for at
least ten (10) minutes.
- Supervisor will record the above activities in the daily log as they occur.
D.
ESCORT MODE
The escort mode is to be put into operation when the average wind speed reaches 35
mph and remains at that level or higher for five minutes. The supervisor will notify the
shift leader when the wind monitor goes into count down to go into escort mode. During
this mode, wind susceptible vehicles will be escorted across the bridge in groups by
Mackinac Bridge Authority vehicles. Authority escort vehicles will travel at 20 miles per
hour or less during a wind escort.
NOTE:
A. Permitted oversized loads (over 8'6" in width or 13'6" in height) are not authorized to
be on the road when wind speeds exceed 25 mph. As such, they are not allowed to
cross the bridge when we are in escort mode.
B. Most placarded vehicles will be allowed to travel within the escort groups with the
exception of vehicles carrying explosives, poison gas, flammable solid and
radioactive materials. Vehicles carrying these materials should lead the escort
group, followed by the MBA escort vehicle, or immediately followed by another MBA
escort vehicle, followed by the remaining wind susceptible vehicles. The escort
vehicle will keep approximately 500 feet (two light standards) behind the special
placarded escort, will block both lanes to prevent passing, and will use the overhead
flashers.
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Updated October 8, 2008
- Supervisor will notify the shift leader of wind conditions for escort setup in Mackinaw
City and to turn on the flashing red lights located on the south information sign
(northbound lane, south of US-23). All northbound traffic will be allowed to cross until
Maintenance has completed equipment set-up required for escort.
- Supervisor will change the message boards to the "SETUP" mode. The radio message
will continue in the "WARNING" mode until Maintenance has completed set-up of
equipment on the south end.
- Maintenance shift leader will instruct Maintenance personnel to place a vehicle on the
southwest end of the plaza. This vehicle will remain in place throughout the escort
mode to facilitate line up of vehicles waiting for escort. The vehicle's emergency fourway flashers and flashing bar, if equipped with flashing arrow, will be turned on.
Maintenance will notify the Bridge Services supervisor when the truck is in place.
- Maintenance shift leader will assign one person to the plaza area to assist drivers of
wind susceptible vehicles. The plaza attendant will line up vehicles and give direction
to drivers regarding wind escorting procedures. Maintenance personnel assigned to
assist vehicles in the plaza will be equipped with a hand-held radio and an "orange
ended" flashlight or orange flag. Maintenance personnel must wear a safety vest,
safety shoes, protective eyeglasses and a hard hat.
- Supervisor will instruct the southbound collectors to direct drivers of all wind susceptible
vehicles to line up behind the 45 mph speed limit sign, with the flashing amber light, on
the southwest end of the plaza. Once the Maintenance vehicle is parked at the
southwest end of the plaza, collectors will direct drivers to line up behind the vehicle. If
collectors or maintenance personnel are not sure which vehicles should be escorted,
the supervisor will provide assistance. When in doubt and supervisor is not available,
the vehicle should be escorted.
- Shift leaders will assign personnel for escorting wind susceptible vehicles.
- To begin the southbound escort, the escort driver will turn on the overhead flashers to
signal the beginning of the escort. Once started, the driver will turn the overhead
flashers off and use four-way flashers for the remainder of the escort. The driver of the
escort vehicle must notify the Bridge Services supervisor when beginning an escort.
The escort vehicle is to lead the escort and travel in the right-hand (outside) lane. This
allows vehicles which do not require escort to pass in the left hand (inside or passing)
lane. The maximum speed for the escort group is 20 mph. Reduce speed as
conditions warrant. The escort vehicle=s headlights and four-way flashers must be on
during all escorts. Overhead flashers will only be used when both lanes of travel are
being blocked for special placarded escorts and for special traffic conditions to help
alleviate traffic congestion when escorting all vehicles at 20 mph.
3
Updated October 8, 2008
- Once the last vehicle of the escort group has cleared the "little" bridge on the
causeway, the Maintenance plaza attendant will not allow any more wind susceptible
vehicles to join the outgoing escort. The remaining vehicles should be instructed to line
up behind the parked Maintenance vehicle and wait for the next escort.
- To complete a southbound escort, the escort vehicle will:
a. turn the four-way flashers off,
b. exit the bridge at the first Mackinaw City exit,
c. notify the supervisor that the escort has ended,
d. circle to the right under the bridge,
e. get back on I-75 at the Jamet Street on ramp,
f. position the escort vehicle in front of the vehicles awaiting escort (if northbound
escorts are underway), or
g. proceed to the plaza area to begin another southbound escort (if northbound
escorts have not been initiated).
-
Maintenance shift leader will assign a minimum of two employees to the south end of
the bridge to set-up equipment and provide direction to traffic for northbound escorts.
Maintenance personnel will:
a. wear a safety vest, safety shoes, protective eyeglasses and hard hat.
b. close the inside lane of northbound I-75 (south of the Jamet Street exit ramp) and
place a flashing arrow board (or truck equipped with flashing arrow) at the Central
Avenue overpass on northbound I-75. (The center median barrier has been
marked with blue paint at the location where the arrow board should be placed.)
Orange cones should be placed in intervals beginning approximately 500 feet in
front of the flashing arrow.
c. place another flashing arrow board (or pick-up truck equipped with a flashing
arrow) in the northbound I-75 inside lane at the Jamet Street exit ramp.
d. turn on the flood lights located at the Jamet Street on ramp to I-75.
e. notify the Bridge Services supervisor when equipment set-up is complete.
-
Supervisor will change the message boards, radio message and web site to the
"ESCORT" mode when notified by Maintenance that set-up is complete in Mackinaw
City.
-
Maintenance personnel will begin lining up northbound wind susceptible vehicles
behind the speed limit sign, with the flashing amber light, located at the end of the
Jamet Street on-ramp. All vehicles awaiting escort should be on the ramp or shoulder
of the road, not on the main highway. Maintenance personnel assigned to assist
vehicles will be equipped with a hand-held radio and an "orange ended" flashlight or
orange flag.
-
Maintenance will begin escorting northbound wind susceptible vehicles.
-
To begin a northbound escort, the escort driver will position his/her vehicle in front of
the vehicles awaiting escort and turn the overhead flashers on to signal the beginning
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Updated October 8, 2008
of the escort. Once started, the driver will turn the overhead flashers off and use fourway flashers for the remainder of the escort. The driver of the escort vehicle must
notify the Bridge Services supervisor when beginning the escort. The escort vehicle
is to lead the escort and travel in the right-hand (outside) lane. This allows vehicles
which do not require escort to pass in the left hand (inside or passing) lane. The
maximum speed allowed for the escort group is 20 mph. Reduce speed as conditions
warrant. The escort vehicle=s headlights and four-way flashers must be on during all
escorts. Overhead flashers will only be used when both lanes of travel are being
blocked for special placarded escorts and special traffic conditions.
-
Once the last vehicle of the northbound escort has cleared Pier #1, Maintenance
personnel should not allow any more wind susceptible vehicles to join the outgoing
escort. The remaining vehicles will be instructed to line up behind the speed limit
sign, with the flashing amber light, and wait for the next escort.
-
(Option 1) To complete a northbound escort, the escort vehicle will:
a. enter the plaza area (south of the toll booths)
b. turn on the overhead flashers,
c. proceed to the inside northbound lane,
d. turn the left turn signal on,
e. wait for southbound traffic to clear, then make a U-turn,
f. proceed to the southwest end of the plaza to get into position for the next
southbound escort,
g. turn off the overhead flashers, and,
h. notify the Bridge Services supervisor that the northbound escort is complete and
prepared to begin the next southbound escort.
S (Option 2) To complete a northbound escort, the escort vehicle will:
a. turn the four-way flashers off,
b. proceed to the east gate (adjacent to lane 2),
c. notify the Bridge Services supervisor that the escort has ended,
d. park in front of the Bridge Services supervisor's office to be relieved, or proceed to
the crossover north of the plaza,
e. proceed southbound through the west gate lane, and
f. get into escort position in front of the vehicles waiting for escort at the southwest
end of the plaza.
-
-
(Option 3) To complete a northbound escort, the escort vehicle will:
a. turn the four-way flashers off and exit at C Drive,
b. notify the Bridge Services supervisor that the escort has ended,
c. turn around in the parking area,
d. wait for an opening in northbound traffic, proceed cautiously to the centerline of
the plaza, wait for southbound traffic to clear, and return to the southwest end of
the plaza area to begin the next southbound escort.
A minimum of two MBA escort vehicles will operate during the escort mode with
additional escort vehicles if needed to help with special traffic conditions.
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Updated October 8, 2008
E.
-
Escort personnel may delay the beginning of an escort to achieve better spacing
across the bridge. Ideally, the two escort vehicles should leave Mackinaw City and
the plaza area at the same time, meet at the center, and arrive at either end at the
same time.
-
Maintenance shift leader will call in additional personnel as necessary to provide a
minimum of two employees in Mackinaw City, two for escorting and one in the plaza
area. Priority will be given to deploying two Maintenance personnel to the south end
of the bridge and escorting, then to the plaza area.
-
Supervisor/shift leader will call in additional employees if conditions warrant. The
supervisor may request more escort vehicles if traffic backs up on I-75 in Mackinaw
City or causes congestion in the plaza area in St. Ignace. If necessary, the supervisor
may assign booth personnel to provide more escort drivers or request help from
Maintenance staff. If booth staffing exceeds traffic demand, the supervisor may
assign booth personnel to patrol duty to reduce the number of call-ins. The Bridge
Services supervisor will request Maintenance to provide pickup trucks with overhead
flashing lights if additional vehicles are needed.
-
Supervisor may revert back to the warning mode if the average wind speed drops to
below 35 mph for a period of ten (10) minutes. This is at the supervisor's discretion.
The supervisor will change the message boards, radio message and web site to the
"WARNING" mode during this standby condition. All personnel will stay at their
assignments until the wind conditions remain below 35 mph for at least 30 minutes
and are released by the supervisor.
-
Supervisor will notify the shift leader when wind conditions change. The supervisor
will go back to escort mode if wind conditions build to 35 mph.
-
Supervisor will record these activities in the daily log as they occur.
PARTIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE
Partial bridge closure is put into operation when the average wind speed reaches 50 mph
and remains at that level or higher for five minutes, or sooner at the supervisor's
discretion. During partial closures, only the following vehicles are permitted to cross the
bridge:
a. passenger cars,
b. passenger vans, and
c. empty pickup trucks without caps or toppers.
Vehicles allowed to cross the bridge during partial closure must drive at 20 mph or less.
The vehicles listed above are not allowed to cross if they are carrying or towing any item.
No other vehicles will be allowed to cross the bridge until the average wind speed drops
below 50 mph for a period of ten (10) minutes or more at the supervisor’s discretion.
The following procedures assume that Mackinac Bridge Authority personnel and
equipment are already in place for the wind escort mode due to winds exceeding 35 mph.
6
Updated October 8, 2008
-
Supervisor will notify the Maintenance shift leader, collectors, and the patrol persons
that wind conditions have escalated to 50 mph or higher and warrant partial closure of
the bridge.
-
Supervisor will change the message boards, radio message and web site to the
"PARTIAL" mode.
-
Supervisor will call the Michigan State Police (643-8383). Mike Kasper at the
Mackinac count sheriff Dept. (643-1911) Mackinac County Emergency Management
Coordinator
and
Mr.
Messer
at
central
dispatch
(231-439-3500)
Cheb./Emmet/Charlevoix Co. Emergency Management Coordinator, to activate
emergency response procedures.
-
Supervisor will notify the Mackinaw City Police on Channel 2 of the emergency radio
regarding partial closure conditions and request assistance for traffic control on
northbound I-75, if needed.
S Supervisor will advise MDOT' St. Ignace garage (643-8701) of the partial closure
mode and wind conditions. This will alert them of the potential for total bridge closure.
-
Shift leader will advise bridge patrol personnel to drive across the bridge at 20 mph or
less to ensure that vehicles allowed to cross are traveling at the recommended speed.
Ideally, two patrol vehicles will work in concert to depart from the north and the south
end at the same time, meet in the middle, and arrive at the opposite ends at the same
time. Patrol vehicles and maintenance vehicles are authorized to block both lanes of
travel, use the overhead flashing lights, low-beam headlights, and four-way flashers
during the partial closure mode.
-
Maintenance shift leader will instruct Maintenance personnel to direct all northbound
vehicles not allowed to cross the bridge to use the Jamet Street exit.
S Maintenance shift leader will direct Maintenance personnel to position themselves at
the Graham Avenue exit and direct all southbound vehicles, not allowed to cross the
bridge, out of the plaza area. Due to weight restrictions imposed on Boulevard Drive,
it may be necessary to U-turn certain vehicles in the plaza area. These U-turn
movements should be monitored by the shift leader. Cones and arrow boards must
be positioned to direct southbound traffic into one lane as they approach the plaza
area (see diagram). A minimum of two Maintenance personnel should be assigned to
facilitate smooth operation at Graham Avenue and the north plaza.
-
Maintenance shift leader and personnel will assist where needed.
-
Maintenance personnel traveling across the bridge during the partial closure mode
are asked to travel at 20 mph or less, use the overhead flashing lights, low-beam
headlights, four-way flashers, and block both lanes of travel. This procedure is to
ensure that vehicles allowed to cross are traveling at the recommended speed.
-
Shift leader will advise the patrol and escort personnel to assist where needed.
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Updated October 8, 2008
F.
-
Supervisor will notify the Administrator, Bridge Services Manager, and Chief
Engineer.
-
Supervisor will make arrangements to notify all agencies listed on the APartial/Total
Bridge Closure Call List@ to inform them that we have entered the partial closure
mode.
-
The partial closure will continue until the average wind speed has decreased to below
50 mph for at least ten (10) minutes, or longer at the supervisor's discretion. The
supervisor will revert back to the escort mode once bridge has been reopened.
-
Supervisor will inform all previously notified agencies when conditions change.
-
Supervisor will enter these activities in the daily log as they occur.
TOTAL BRIDGE CLOSURE
Total bridge closure is to be put into operation when the average wind speed reaches 65
mph and remains at that level or higher for five minutes, or sooner at the supervisor's
discretion.
-
Supervisor will notify collectors and Maintenance shift leader that the bridge is closed
to all traffic.
-
Supervisor will change the message boards, radio message and web site to the
"CLOSED" mode.
-
Supervisor will call the Michigan State Police (643-8383). Mike Kasper at the
Mackinac count sheriff Dept. (643-1911) Mackinac County Emergency Management
Coordinator
and
Mr.
Messer
at
central
dispatch
(231-439-3500)
Cheb./Emmet/Charlevoix Co. Emergency Management Coordinator, to activate
emergency response procedures.
-
Supervisor will notify the Mackinaw City Police on Channel 2 of the emergency radio
regarding total closure conditions and request assistance for traffic control on
northbound I-75, if needed.
-
Supervisor will notify MDOT's St. Ignace garage (643-8701) of total closure
conditions. MDOT will setup road blocks at US-2 and I-75. The Michigan State
Police will enforce compliance with these road closures.
- Maintenance shift leader will direct Maintenance personnel to close the Jamet Street
on-ramp and route all northbound traffic off I-75 at the Jamet Street exit in Mackinaw
City.
- Maintenance shift leader will instruct Maintenance personnel to direct southbound
traffic out of the plaza area until MDOT, the Michigan State Police and the Mackinac
County Sheriff's Department can mobilize to route all traffic off at US-2.
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Updated October 8, 2008
G.
H.
-
Supervisor will notify the Administrator, Bridge Services Manager, and Chief
Engineer.
-
Supervisor will make arrangements to notify all agencies listed on the APartial/Total
Bridge Closure Call List@ to inform them that the bridge is closed to all traffic.
-
Supervisor will assign available booth personnel to assist with answering the phones
and advising the public of current conditions and available services.
-
The bridge closure will continue until the average wind speed has decreased to below
65 mph for at least ten (10) minutes, or longer at the supervisor's discretion. The
supervisor will revert to whatever mode the wind and weather conditions dictate.
-
Supervisor will inform all previously notified agencies when the bridge is open to
traffic.
-
Supervisor will enter all activities in the daily log as they occur.
RECORDING INFORMATION
- Supervisor and shift leader will record all wind related accidents and incidents on the
Mackinac Bridge Authority's "Property Damage Report" form.
-
Supervisor will record in the daily log the reasons for entering a mode sooner than
recommended and for staying in a mode longer than recommended in these
guidelines.
-
Supervisor will enter all activities in the daily log as they occur.
STAFFING
If it appears that escorting or bridge closure will continue beyond the end of a shift, the
supervisor and shift leader on duty are expected to arrange for adequate replacement
staffing prior to shift change. This relieves the incoming supervisor and shift leader from
getting immediate help to replace employees who have worked long enough.
Proper staffing levels must be maintained to adequately perform the various service and
maintenance functions during adverse wind and weather conditions. If section personnel
who usually perform these functions are not available, other section personnel will be
contacted to perform these duties using the following format:
1.
Bridge Services Supervisor
a. BSO's with less that 40 hours per week according to call-in procedures
b. BSO's according to the overtime roster
c. Mandate BSO's
d. Maintenance personnel via shift leader
e. Bridge Services supervisors
f. Bridge Services manager
g. Office personnel directly
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Updated October 8, 2008
h. Management personnel directly
2.
Maintenance shift leader
a. Use posted call in sheet
b. Other maintenance personnel
c. Bridge Services personnel via supervisor
d. Office personnel directly
e. Management personnel directly
Office Personnel
Gene Perry
Julie Neph
Hilda Ryerse
Cindy Ghastin
John Rintamaki
643-7815
616-627-7911
643-7913
906-630-5487
906-293-3488
Janet Brown
Dan Sweeney
Brent Garries
Management Personnel - Crisis Management Team (CMT)
Kim Nowack
906-643-7060
Pager
Dean Steiner
906-643-8937
Cell
Bob Sweeney
Cell 231-437-0006
Pager
10
643-7610
643-7965
231-445-2619
989-730-6357
231-437-0033
989-920-3866