Fargo, ND – As Arctic air tightens its grip across the Northern Plains this month, officials are warning drivers in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks to slow down on bridges and overpasses freezing much faster than other roads during tonight’s subzero temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they are surrounded by cold air on all sides, allowing heat to escape rapidly. This causes bridge surfaces to reach freezing temperatures long before adjacent pavement — often resulting in invisible black ice.
“Even when roads appear clear, bridges can be solid ice,” said an NWS meteorologist Friday. “That contrast leads to sudden loss of traction and spinouts, especially overnight.”
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has been applying salt and brine to key corridors, including I-94, I-29, and US-2, but officials warn that extreme cold may reduce salt effectiveness. Motorists are urged to reduce speed before bridges, avoid hard braking, and maintain extra following distance. Officials emphasize that even thin ice can cause accidents at moderate speeds, particularly during early morning commutes.
Travelers can check real-time conditions at travel.dot.nd.gov or follow @NorthDakotaDOT for live updates and advisories.
