Redding, CA – As freezing air and mountain snow sweep across Northern California this month, officials are warning drivers in Redding, Chico, and Truckee to watch for icy bridges and overpasses that freeze well before other roads.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento, bridges freeze first because cold air flows above and below them, drawing out heat faster than from ground-level pavement. “Even when road temperatures are just above freezing, bridges can already be icy,” the NWS said Friday.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) pretreat major corridors, including I-5, Highway 99, and I-80, especially through the Sierra Nevada where snow showers and freezing fog are creating treacherous travel. Crews are also monitoring high-elevation bridges and mountain passes, including Donner Summit, for rapid ice buildup.
Officials urge motorists to slow down before bridges, avoid hard braking, and increase following distance. Black ice — thin, nearly invisible, and especially common on shaded sections — can cause sudden loss of control.
Drivers can check live conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or follow @CaltransDist2 and @CaltransHQ for real-time updates and highway advisories.
