Trenton, NJ – As freezing temperatures grip the Garden State and light snow moves east later this month, drivers across Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City are being warned to watch for icy bridges and overpasses that may freeze before other roadways.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they’re exposed to cold air both above and below, allowing heat to escape quickly from the pavement. This makes bridges reach freezing temperatures faster than ground-level roads, which retain some warmth from the earth.
“Even if your car thermometer reads just above freezing, bridges can already be icy,” the NWS cautioned Friday. “That’s when black ice becomes most dangerous — it’s invisible until it’s too late.”
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is pre-treating major corridors including I-95 (NJ Turnpike), I-295, and the Garden State Parkway, with crews on standby overnight to monitor and salt bridge decks, ramps, and overpasses.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed before reaching bridges, maintain steady steering, and avoid abrupt braking or acceleration. Even a thin layer of frost can cause vehicles to lose traction, especially during early morning hours when visibility is low.
Motorists can check live traffic and weather updates at 511NJ.org or follow @NJDOT_info for statewide winter alerts.
