Joe Shampine
Maintenance supervisor for the Mackinac Bridge Authority who oversees bridge maintenance operations and decision-making for safety-related closures due to falling ice.
Best podcasts with Joe Shampine
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Mar 26, 2026 • 28min
Why falling ice leads to closing the Mackinac Bridge
Matt Chynoweth, former MDOT chief bridge engineer now leading RS&H’s bridge practice, offers national perspective on ice mitigation. Joe Shampine, Mackinac Bridge maintenance supervisor, explains real-world decision-making and risks when heavy ice falls. They discuss why closures happen, why quick fixes fail, mechanical and passive mitigation options, and how other bridges handle similar hazards.
