Local news outlets and social media have reported a regional road salt shortage this winter season. The City of Pepper Pike, like many surrounding communities, is experiencing the effects of this shortage and would like to explain the situation and how it impacts winter road maintenance.

Pepper Pike’s salt supply is currently at a critically low level. Under normal conditions, the City maintains a minimum of 1,500 tons of salt on hand in our salt dome. When supplies fall below that threshold, an order is placed with our supplier, Cargill, with delivery typically occurring within 10 days.

This season, the City began winter operations with 1,900 tons of salt and has received an additional 1,900 tons through scheduled orders with more on order yet to be received. To date, approximately 2,950 tons of salt have been used. Due to increased regional demand and supply limitations, additional salt deliveries are delayed.

Compounding the shortage are the extreme cold temperatures and prolonged snowfall we have experienced. Typically, City crews plow snow and immediately apply salt to produce wet pavement conditions. Each snowplow truck is assigned a specific route and services both main and residential streets equally, completing a route in approximately 3 hours before repeating as needed. By adhering to this schedule all routes are equally covered. During heavy snowfall (often accumulating at a rate of ½ to 1 inch per hour) streets plowed early in the cycle may appear untreated by the time the route is completed. All Pepper Pike service vehicles are GPS-tracked, allowing the City to verify the exact time a street was serviced.

Road salt is most effective at temperatures above approximately 15 degrees. Effectiveness is further impacted by traffic, precipitation, and sunlight. Sustained low temperatures require greater salt application to achieve the same results, and repeated snowfall over the past 10 days has pushed previously applied salt off road surfaces, further reducing effectiveness.

To ensure salt remains available for emergencies and high-priority needs, during this, or any,   salt shortage period, the Service Department implements conservation measures. During periods of extreme cold and limited supply, salt application will be prioritized for main roads, hills, intersections, and curves. Residential streets and low-traffic roads may receive reduced treatment, which may result in snow-covered roads until conditions improve and salt can be used more effectively.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution while driving, reduce speeds, increase following distances, and allow additional travel time during winter weather conditions.