Which roadway tends to freeze first when the road is wet?

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When roads are wet, surfaces exposed to cold air on all sides tend to freeze first. Bridges fit this pattern because they sit above open air (and often over water), so heat from the ground isn’t available to keep the surface warmer. Cold air can flow around and under the deck, pulling heat away quickly, so moisture on the bridge freezes sooner than on ordinary road surfaces. Other spots like intersections or pedestrian crossings are on the usual roadway and can retain a bit more warmth from the ground or passing vehicles, so they don’t ice up as quickly. Overpasses are elevated too, but bridges are especially prone to rapid freezing due to their exposure and the potential moisture beneath them, making them the first to ice up when conditions are wet.