While some communities across the state are preparing for winter weather with a limited salt supply, the State Department of transportation will not have trouble keeping highways clear.
Last year’s harsh winter depleted much of the country’s road salt. Add a strong hurricane season and high river levels which kept barges from delivering salt and the supplies dwindle and the salt becomes more expensive. MoDOT is not affected because it took salt bids in May.
"There are some towns in Missouri who may be concerned about salt supplies however MoDOT will not have trouble this year keeping the highways drivable," said spokesman Laura Holloway. "There’s plenty of salt for MoDOT to clear the roads this winter."
MoDOT has already received the first shipment of salt.
"When the first winter storm hits MoDOT will be ready," Holloway said.
Last winter, the department spent $65 million on all snow and ice removal and prevention efforts.