Wilmington, DE – As temperatures dip below freezing and a light round of snow moves through the region this month, officials are warning drivers across Wilmington, Dover, and Newark to be cautious as bridges and overpasses begin icing over ahead of the main roads.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because cold air circulates both above and below the surface, pulling heat away faster than from roadways connected to the ground. This effect can cause bridges to reach the freezing point even when nearby pavement is still slightly above 32°F.
“It’s a common early-winter hazard,” the NWS said Friday. “Drivers may not see visible ice, but bridges can become slick in minutes once temperatures fall.”
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is pre-treating major routes, including I-95, Route 1, and Route 13, to help prevent ice buildup overnight. Crews are focusing on elevated sections, ramps, and river crossings — areas that typically freeze first during cold snaps.
Officials urge motorists to reduce speed before reaching bridges, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distances to reduce the risk of skidding. Black ice is especially dangerous early in the morning when bridges appear wet but are actually frozen. Drivers can monitor real-time road conditions at deldot.gov or 511DE for travel updates.
