Des Moines, IA – As Arctic air and snow sweep across the Midwest this month, state officials are warning Iowa drivers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport to watch for icy bridges and overpasses that are freezing faster than ground-level roads.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because cold air flows both above and below them, drawing heat away quickly. This exposure allows ice to form even when air temperatures are just a few degrees below freezing, often catching drivers off guard.
“Black ice is a silent danger on bridges — you won’t see it until it’s too late,” the NWS said Friday. “Even a dusting of snow or light freezing drizzle can make them treacherous.”
The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) begins pre-treating major routes including I-80, I-35, and I-380, applying salt and brine to elevated spans, ramps, and interchanges ahead of expected freezes.
Officials urge motorists to slow down before reaching bridges, maintain a steady speed across icy patches, and avoid sudden braking or steering. Even thin layers of frost can drastically reduce traction.
Drivers can check live road and weather updates through 511ia.org or follow @IowaDOT for real-time alerts and safety information.
