St. Louis, MO – With temperatures dropping and snow moving across the Midwest this month, officials are warning Missouri drivers in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield to be alert for bridges and overpasses freezing before main roads — creating dangerous travel conditions overnight.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they lose heat from both the top and bottom, while ground-level roads retain warmth from the earth. This allows bridge surfaces to reach freezing temperatures more quickly, making black ice and slick spots likely even when nearby pavement remains wet.
“It’s one of the first winter driving hazards we see each season,” said an NWS spokesperson Friday. “Bridges and ramps can turn icy in minutes once temperatures hit 32°F.”
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is pre-treating major interstates including I-70, I-44, and I-55, applying salt and brine to bridges, ramps, and overpasses ahead of the overnight freeze.
Officials urge motorists to slow down before bridges, avoid sudden braking, and maintain steady steering over icy patches. Even a thin layer of frost can cause cars to slide, particularly during early morning and late-night commutes.
Drivers can monitor real-time road conditions at traveler.modot.org or follow @MoDOT for statewide weather and travel alerts.
