UPDATE: As of Thursday morning, the bridge has shed enough ice to allow for normal lift operations to resume. Ships can once again use the Duluth Canal to enter and leave the harbor.
DULUTH, MN (KDAL) – Warmer temperatures and sunshine on Wednesday, resulted in large chunks of ice falling from the upper portions of the Aerial Lift Bridge.
That presented a safety hazard for workers who are trying to de-ice the lower portion of the structure.
Work was called off for the day and is expected to resume Thursday although traffic should not be affected at this time.
A test lift was attempted but the bridge motors are still drawing too many amps due to the excessive weight added by the ice.
Meanwhile pedestrians and vehicles crossing or near the bridge should take caution because of falling ice and the east sidewalk on the bridge remains closed.
Ship traffic is being re-routed through the Superior Entry while the bridge remains down.
