Every time we get snow you hear, "watch out for bridges and overpasses." What makes bridges and overpasses so special? Isn't it cold and slippery everywhere when there's snow and ice around?
Not necessarily and this morning was a perfect example. Driving along the highway Wednesday morning was smooth sailing until you hit a bridge or got on an on or off ramp. So what makes these spots particularly tricky?
Bridges, overpasses and on occasion your on and off ramps are typically exposed in the air. Because they're out in the open air they get colder and can ice up easier. Think of those bridges and overpasses as the "meat" in a cold air sandwich. The colder air above and below the road can cause freezing on the road surface.
That's why you see the signs warning you that bridges are more likely to freeze and "slippery when wet." Hopefully this helps explain why those bridges and overpasses get so much attention from road crews and meteorologists like myself on our stormy winter days.
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