Maine – With winter temperatures returning to Maine, drivers in Bangor, Augusta, and Portland are being urged to use extra caution on bridges and overpasses as icy conditions develop faster than on regular roads.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they are exposed to cold air from both above and below, allowing heat to escape more quickly from the concrete and asphalt surface. This exposure means a bridge can reach freezing temperatures even when nearby roadways remain just above 32°F.
The NWS also noted that freezing isn’t always uniform — shaded or wind-swept areas of a bridge may turn slick while sunny spots remain wet. That inconsistency can catch drivers off guard, particularly during early morning or late-night commutes when black ice is nearly invisible.
Officials recommend slowing down before reaching a bridge, avoiding sudden braking, and maintaining a steady speed across icy spans. Even a thin layer of frost can reduce tire traction enough to cause a vehicle to slide.
As snow and ice return to Maine this week, transportation crews are pre-treating key bridges across I-95, Route 1, and I-295 to reduce icing risks. Drivers are urged to monitor local forecasts and travel alerts as temperatures drop below freezing overnight.
