Are bridges more likely to be icy in winter compared to normal roads?

Bridges are indeed more likely to be icy in winter compared to normal roads because they are constructed differently than standard road surfaces. Bridges have air circulating above and below them, which allows heat to disperse more rapidly. As a result, the temperature of the bridge deck can drop more quickly than that of normal roads, leading to a higher likelihood of ice formation when conditions are cold.

Additionally, normal roads are often insulated by the ground beneath them, which retains heat and helps to keep the surface warmer than the air temperature. Since bridges lack this insulation on their underside, they cool down faster and can freeze even when main roadways remain wet or dry. Understanding this difference is crucial for safe winter driving, as drivers should be especially cautious when approaching bridges during cold weather, regardless of prevailing weather conditions on the surrounding roads.