FARGO, N.D. (AP) - An automated deicing system designed to spray the Red River bridge between here and Moorhead, Minn., had some mechanical problems Wednesday morning, when the bridge was glazed with light snow and ice, authorities said.

"The westbound structure (deicer) operated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation - that sprayed about 4:15 this morning, so that was operational," North Dakota Transportation Department spokesman Troy Gilbertson said. The eastbound equipment operated by the North Dakota Transportation Department had problems, he said.

"We did a test last night, and the pump burned out at that pumping station," Gilbertson said.

Authorities said the snow and ice contributed to a seven-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 over the bridge Wednesday morning. No one was seriously hurt.

The deicing system will significantly reduce accidents but not prevent them, and drivers still must slow down, Gilbertson said.