Columbus, OH – As snow and freezing temperatures sweep across Ohio this month, state officials are warning drivers in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati to use caution on bridges and overpasses that are freezing faster than other roadways overnight.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because cold air circulates both above and below, causing surfaces to lose heat rapidly. Ground-level roads retain some warmth from the soil, but elevated spans cool much faster, often forming invisible black ice.
“Drivers should never assume the road ahead is the same as what’s behind them,” the NWS said Friday. “A dry street can turn icy the moment you hit a bridge or overpass.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is pre-treating key routes, including I-70, I-71, and I-75, as temperatures drop into the 20s statewide. Crews are targeting elevated bridges, ramps, and interchanges known for early-season freezing.
Motorists are urged to slow down before bridges, maintain steady speed over icy patches, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Even a thin layer of ice can cause vehicles to lose traction — especially before sunrise when pavement appears merely wet.
Drivers can monitor real-time travel and treatment updates through OHGO.com or by following @ODOT_Statewide on social media.
