OMAHA, Neb. — As cold air grips the Great Plains and snow begins to blanket parts of the state, Nebraska transportation and weather officials are urging drivers in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island to take extra caution when crossing bridges and overpasses that are freezing faster than standard roadways.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says bridges are particularly hazardous during early winter cold snaps because they lose heat from both above and below, while regular roads retain some warmth from the ground. Meteorologists warned that black ice can form even when air temperatures are only slightly below freezing, making it one of the most dangerous hazards for motorists.
Transportation Crews Begin Winter Treatment
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) confirmed that it has already started pre-treating major routes, including Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 81, and Highway 34, with brine and salt mixtures to reduce ice formation. Maintenance teams are focusing on elevated sections, highway ramps, and interchanges where freezing occurs most rapidly.
Drivers are being advised to slow down before bridges, avoid sudden braking, and maintain steady speed and spacing. Officials say that even light precipitation or fog can create slick conditions overnight and into early mornings…