Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

Why do bridges freeze on both sides more quickly than roads?

1. Due to less traffic on bridges

2. Because of the air temperature affecting them

3. Bridges are made of different materials

4. They are located at higher elevations

The correct answer is: Because of the air temperature affecting them

The correct choice highlights that bridges freeze on both sides more quickly than roads due to the influence of air temperature. Bridges are exposed to air both above and below them, unlike roads, which are usually surrounded by soil, pavement, and other materials that can hold and retain heat. This exposure means that temperatures can affect bridges from multiple angles, allowing them to lose heat and reach freezing temperatures faster than the roads, which typically retain some warmth from the ground beneath them. Considering other potential factors, while traffic can impact the ice melting process on roadways, it does not play a significant role in the freezing characteristics of bridges. Similarly, the materials used in bridge construction are generally designed for structural integrity rather than temperature retention, and while elevation might influence temperature, it is not a primary reason for the quicker freezing of bridges compared to roads.