OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Snow, a lake and the bridge that sits on top… it’s a recipe for disaster when you combine that with wind and frozen air.
That’s especially the case for at least one area bridge that is particularly problematic.
“We know that bridges ice much faster than any other area over land, so you kinda put that together and it just kinda is a perfect storm,” said Captain Lara Vendola-Messer of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
She tells FOX 11 the Lake Butte des Morts bridge has always been an issue when the wind picks up, and it can take drivers by surprise.
“Usually when there’s one, there ends up being a couple at the same time. Because there will be people trying to stop behind the accident and not realizing that it’s icy that they’re driving on.”
Truck driver Shannon Hild says that’s something he sees often.
“They wait until they’re in the middle of it, and then they hit their brakes, and that’s what causes problems. They need to look ahead, be prepared, get off their phone.”
Vendola-Messer says shutting down the bridge isn’t the solution.
“To close a one-mile stretch just because people can’t slow down is really not the name of the game,”
The sheriff’s office advice? Either tread lightly when driving over that section of the road or find another route.
Oshkosh resident Ben Morth says the second isn’t an option.
“I wouldn’t avoid it at all. It takes too much time to avoid it! People just don’t know how to drive really, otherwise, I drive a truck over it every day, and it’s fine.”
“I feel safe how I drive, it’s everybody else I’m worried about; who’s gonna come sliding across, and you know, when they get in the middle, and then they hit their brakes, that’s when you gotta be prepared for that,” added Hild.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office says drivers should also expect sudden whiteouts, and “roadway icing” on the bridge.
