Title: Why bridges freeze before roads | AccuWeather
Headings: Why do bridges freeze before roads?
News / AccuWeather Ready
Why do bridges freeze before roads?
Three reasons bridges freeze fast
1- Exposure to the elements
2- Location matters
3- C onstruction Means Everything
Driving on bridges in icy weather
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Content: The first, and most common reason, is because they have nothing underneath them, shielding them from the frigid temperatures. Since a bridge is open on the underside, it has no protection from the wind and extreme weather. A roadway is built upon the ground, which acts as an insulator during inclement weather. While it may be cold outside, there is warmth deep within the ground that acts as padding. Since bridges are open on all sites, they will ice over quickly. Photo by Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee
2- Location matters
One of the other reasons a bridge is so quick to freeze is because of its location. Yes, they are exposed on all sides, but it’s what’s underneath that counts. Bridges cover rivers, creeks, and bodies of water in many cases. Water freezes quickly, creating cold spots. These cold spots make the bridge more prone to freeze than a roadway that doesn’t have these cold areas underneath them.