As temperatures drop below freezing, which of these areas will freeze first?

Overpasses are typically the areas that freeze first as temperatures drop below freezing due to their design and exposure. Unlike regular roadways that are built upon the ground, overpasses are elevated structures. This elevation means they have cold air circulating above and below them, which can cause them to lose heat more quickly than roads at ground level.

Additionally, overpasses are not insulated by the heat of the ground beneath, making them susceptible to temperature fluctuations. As a result, ice can form on the surface of overpasses before it forms on regular roadways that may still retain some warmth from the ground. Recognizing this can be crucial for drivers to adjust their driving behavior when the weather turns cold.

In contrast, underpasses and high-speed highways may cool down but generally don't face the same conditions as overpasses. Urban roads, which may be surrounded by buildings and other structures, often retain heat from the urban environment, further reducing the risk of ice formation compared to overpass sections. Understanding these dynamics allows drivers to be more cautious on elevated roadways when temperatures drop.