Michigan State Police photo Gasoline pumps in Sault Ste. Marie, like these at Krist, were shut down Tuesday after the closure of the Mackinac Bridge caused a fuel shortage in that area. The bridge was expected to reopen early Thursday morning.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI. A temporary fuel shortage is affecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, following the closure of the Mackinac Bridge Tuesday. The closure caused by falling ice from the recent winter storm has interrupted regular fuel deliveries to the Sault Ste. Marie area, resulting in limited fuel supplies at local gas stations, with some stations running out of fuel. The bridge reopened Tuesday evening but according to MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer, Lt. Ben Eckola, the bridge closed again Tuesday night and wasn’t expected to reopen until at least 7 a.m. this morning (Thursday).

“Michigan State Police (MSP) personnel are working closely with local authorities and fuel providers to expedite deliveries and restore normal fuel services as quickly as possible,” said MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer, Lt. Ben Eckola.

“We understand the inconvenience this situation may cause, but we want to assure residents that this is a short-term issue. Contingency plans are in place to ensure that law enforcement and other emergency services maintain normal operation.”

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as fuel supplies stabilize. Eckola told the Daily Mining Gazette that since the initial press release went out Tuesday night, even more eastern U.P. gas stations have run out of gas.

Residents in that area are encouraged to temporarily conserve fuel where possible and avoid unnecessary travel until the local fuel supplies are replenished.