Baltimore, MD – As temperatures dip below freezing and snow showers move into central Maryland later this month, state transportation officials are warning drivers in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Frederick to be cautious on bridges and overpasses that are freezing before main roadways.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they lose heat from both the top and bottom, allowing ice to form faster than on ground-level roads that retain warmth from the earth. “Even if pavement looks wet, it can be frozen,” the NWS said Friday. “That’s what makes bridge ice so dangerous.”
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is treating key routes including I-95, I-70, and US-50, as crews prepare for overnight snow and freezing drizzle. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Francis Scott Key Bridge are among the top-priority areas for anti-icing treatment due to high winds and rapid temperature drops.
Drivers are urged to slow down before reaching bridges, maintain steady speed across icy spans, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Officials warn that black ice may appear invisible, particularly in shaded areas and early morning hours.
Motorists can check live road conditions at roads.maryland.gov or 511MD.org and follow @MDOTNews for real-time updates.
