The ND Department of Transportation and the ND Highway Patrol warn the public to be aware that, with very cold temperatures, black ice may be encountered on roadways, especially in high traffic areas.

Much of the black ice is created by the moisture tracked onto roadways by vehicles and from vehicles’ exhaust systems. Black ice forms when temperatures drop rapidly and any moisture on the road freezes into a smooth, nearly invisible, slippery surface. This thin layer of ice is very hard for motorists to detect, so drivers need to be especially vigilant in looking for changes in a road’s surface that may affect traction.

Crews are working to improve road conditions, however de-icers are less effective in extremely cold temperatures. Maintenance crews are limited to applying abrasive material such as sand to provide temporary traction and using equipment to scrape ice and compacted snow.

 

All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions as weather conditions occur and use caution while traveling. For road information, call 511 from any type of phone or go to the website: www.dot.nd.gov .

 

The NDDOT works hard to keep travelers informed of road conditions. However, the road conditions are not reported 24 hours a day but updated every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, including holidays. It’s important to remember that the conditions may vary from what is being reported.

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