Milwaukee, WI – As another round of snow and subfreezing air settles over Wisconsin this month, transportation and weather officials are warning drivers in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay to use extra caution on bridges and overpasses that are icing over faster than regular roadways.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), bridges freeze first because they lose heat from both the top and bottom, unlike ground-level roads that retain warmth from the earth. That makes bridges more susceptible to black ice — thin, nearly invisible layers of frozen moisture that create dangerous conditions.
“Even when main roads appear clear, bridges can be frozen solid,” the NWS said Friday. “That’s why early morning commutes are especially risky during cold snaps.”
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) begins pre-treating major highways, including I-94, I-41, and I-39, applying salt and brine to elevated spans and ramps. Drivers are urged to reduce speed before bridges, avoid sudden braking, and maintain a steady pace over icy surfaces. Officials say even a dusting of snow combined with freezing winds can make bridge decks dangerously slick.
Motorists can check live road and weather conditions via 511wi.gov or follow @WisconsinDOT for real-time updates and alerts.
