- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Bridges Freeze First: What Drivers Need to Know
Bridges and overpasses can stay icy long after roads have thawed
Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:45am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Bridges and overpasses in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan can freeze before the surrounding roads, creating dangerous driving conditions that can last for days. This is due to the unique way bridges and elevated roadways lose and gain heat, making them more susceptible to icy conditions.
Why it matters
Knowing why bridges freeze first and staying alert for icy conditions on bridges is crucial for driver safety, especially in cold weather climates like Sault Ste. Marie. Unexpected icy patches on bridges can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
The details
Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roads because they are exposed to cold air on both the top and bottom, causing them to lose heat more quickly. Roads, on the other hand, are insulated by the ground beneath them, allowing them to retain heat longer. This means bridges can stay icy even after the surrounding pavement has thawed.
- Bridges and overpasses in Sault Ste. Marie can remain icy for days after regular roads have thawed.
The players
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
A city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan known for its cold, snowy winters.
The takeaway
Drivers in Sault Ste. Marie and other cold weather areas need to be extra cautious when approaching bridges and overpasses, slowing down and watching for icy conditions that may not be present on the surrounding roadways. Staying alert and adjusting driving behavior accordingly can help prevent dangerous and costly accidents.
