Detroit, MI – As snow showers and bitter cold sweep across the Great Lakes, state officials are warning Michigan drivers — especially in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing — to use caution as bridges and overpasses begin icing over ahead of the main roadways.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they’re surrounded by cold air on all sides, which allows heat to escape faster than on roads built directly on the ground. This makes bridge surfaces reach freezing temperatures more quickly, even when nearby pavement remains wet.
“It’s a common trap for winter drivers,” said an NWS meteorologist Friday. “Black ice forms easily on bridges and can be nearly impossible to see until it’s too late.”
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pre-treating major routes including I-75, I-96, and I-94, focusing on elevated spans, ramps, and interchanges. Crews apply salt and brine ahead of a strong cold front expected to push across the state.
Motorists are urged to slow down before reaching bridges, maintain a steady speed over icy patches, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes. Even light frost or freezing drizzle can create slippery spots capable of causing crashes.
Drivers can monitor real-time road conditions at MiDrive.Michigan.gov or follow @MichiganDOT for travel updates.
