Portland, OR – As freezing rain and snow move across western and central Oregon this season, officials are warning drivers in Portland, Eugene, and Bend to use caution on bridges and overpasses that are freezing before main roadways.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Portland, bridges freeze first because cold air flows above and below them, pulling heat out quickly. “Even if regular streets remain wet, bridges can turn icy in minutes once temperatures fall near freezing,” the NWS said Friday.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) pretreats and salts key routes, including I-5, I-84, and US-97, to reduce black ice formation as Arctic air spreads inland from the Columbia Gorge. Officials urge motorists to reduce speed before bridges, avoid abrupt braking, and maintain steady control while crossing elevated surfaces. Black ice — thin, transparent, and extremely slippery — remains a top hazard during overnight hours and early-morning commutes.
Motorists can track live travel conditions and treatment updates through tripcheck.com or by following @OregonDOT for real-time road alerts and winter weather updates.
