Massachusetts Driver's Instructor Practice Exam

Overpasses and bridges are more likely to freeze first in cold weather due to their design and exposure. Unlike regular roadways that are built on solid ground, overpasses and bridges are elevated structures that have air flowing above and below them. This circulation of cold air allows both sides of these surfaces to cool down more rapidly than regular roads, which are insulated by the ground beneath them. As a result, the temperature can drop below freezing faster on these structures, creating a higher risk of ice formation when conditions are right, such as when the temperature is near freezing and moisture is present. Drivers should be particularly cautious when approaching overpasses and bridges during cold weather, as they can become slippery even when other parts of the road are clear of ice.