Chicago, IL – With falling temperatures and light snow moving across the Midwest this month, officials are warning drivers in Chicago, Springfield, and Rockford that bridges and overpasses are freezing faster than main roadways — creating dangerous travel conditions overnight.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they lose heat from both above and below, unlike roads connected to the ground that retain warmth. “Even when pavement appears wet, it can already be frozen on bridges,” the NWS said Friday.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) deploys crews to pre-treat and salt elevated sections of I-55, I-57, and I-90, as well as key ramps and river crossings statewide. The department warns that black ice can form quickly when temperatures drop near or below freezing, especially before sunrise and after sunset.
Officials urge motorists to reduce speed before reaching bridges, avoid sharp braking, and maintain steady speed across icy spans. Even a thin layer of ice can cause vehicles to lose traction and slide without warning.
Drivers can check updated road and weather conditions at GettingAroundIllinois.com or through 511 Illinois for live traffic alerts.
