Final answer:
Ramps, bridges, and overpasses are more dangerous in snowy conditions due to elevation above ground, which exposes them to colder temperatures and wind chill, resulting in slower snow melt and increased ice formation. These structures do not benefit from geothermal warmth or receive consistent salt treatment, increasing their risks in snowy conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ramps, bridges, and overpasses are often more dangerous than other areas of the roadway in snowy conditions due to their elevation above the ground.
This elevation allows for colder temperatures beneath these structures, which prevents the accumulated snow from melting as quickly as it does on regular roads that retain more heat from the ground. Bridges and overpasses also generally lack the geothermal warmth that ground-level roads receive, causing ice to form more readily and creating slippery conditions. Additionally, these structures can be subject to increased wind chill, which further lowers the surface temperature and increases the likelihood of ice forming.
Adding to their danger is the fact that they are often the first to freeze during and after snowfall when temperatures drop, which catches drivers off guard. It’s also worth mentioning that these elevated structures may not receive the same level of snow removal attention or salt treatment as the main roads due to their complexity and the danger involved in treating them in inclement weather.