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Duluth lift bridge operational after shedding tons of ice

Two days of deicing operations and warmer temps allowed the bridge to resume operations Thursday.
Credit: KARE
Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge in Dec. 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. — Things are looking up in Duluth this morning, at least when it comes to the city's iconic lift bridge. 

A spokesperson with the U.S. Coast Guard says the Aerial Lift Bridge is back to full operations after being closed since Monday morning due to excessive icing following the historic weekend blizzard. 

More than 20 inches of wet, heavy snow fell in the Twin Ports and temperatures tumbled shortly after, leaving the bridge with so much ice that the motors used to raise and lower it would have burned out. 

RELATED: Stuck Duluth Lift Bridge impacting shipping traffic

Crews were called in to melt much of the ice, and a bump in temperatures midweek did the rest. 

Being stuck in the down position did have an impact: The huge ships that play a large role in Duluth's economy were unable to get in and out of port, forcing ships to take a longer way around and enter the harbor through the port in Superior, Wisconsin.

RELATED: Mayor on snow cleanup: 'Duluth deserves better'

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