The Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that during changing winter conditions bridges and overpasses ice up more quickly than regular roadways.
Shannon McCarthy with the DOT…
McCarthy: “We just want to caution people of that, that even when the road surface is adequate for going the speed limit sometimes bridges can have black ice on them so do be cautious and reduce speed as necessary.”
Bridges and overpasses are more susceptible to freezing conditions before roadways insulated by the ground because the cold air or winds above and below the structures lowers their temperatures quicker.
With the recent snow storms, McCarthy asks that drivers be patient as DOT employees are facing restricted schedules because of recent budget cuts.
McCarthy: Just a word of caution, we will get to all of our priority roads but it will take us a little longer so we’re just asking the public to be patient to make sure that they’re driving for conditions, allowing a little extra space between them and the person in front of them and reducing speeds as conditions require it.”
Road conditions can be checked before long trips by visiting 511.alaska.gov.