Black Ice Alert Issued in Portland for Next Few Mornings

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that remains on roads that are not getting direct sunlight.

Portland file photo

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - March is indeed going out like a lion! The City of Portland Office of Transportation advises the public to be alert for black ice the next few mornings, especially in the hills. Cold temperatures and moisture could create slick conditions for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Night crews will apply anti-icing chemical in the hills tonight and Friday night. Crews will monitor conditions around the city over the weekend and respond accordingly.

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that remains on roads that are not getting direct sunlight. Black ice is not really black; it's so thin and transparent that the darker pavement shows through, giving it a matte appearance rather than the expected gloss. Although it is almost invisible, it will make a road look like new asphalt.

Certain areas of roadways, because of location or lack of direct sunlight, are almost always more hazardous than others in wintry conditions.

Motorists and bicyclists are advised to be especially careful when driving or riding into shaded areas, over bridges and overpasses, and through tunnels. Remember to slow down during your approach. Pedestrians are advised to be extra cautious crossing the street.

The most important thing to remember when driving on slick roads is to travel, steer, and brake more slowly than usual. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as under normal driving circumstances.

This means you should keep at least a three car distance from the vehicle directly in front of you. Do not pass maintenance trucks, sanders, and plows on the right.

During snow and ice events, everyone is advised to check road conditions before traveling. Check Salem-News.com Road Report for highway road conditions and weather outlooks. Use the Portland Winter Travel Info link to get current storm travel information for Portland. Or visit PortlandOnline.com/transportation. In a snow or ice event, the city of Portland's limited resources are focused on the highest priority transportation facilities -- known hazard areas, bridges, and overpasses, arterial streets serving transit and emergency response vehicles, other arterials with high traffic volume, and critical intersections.