(A Chautauqua County plow truck prepares for winter road maintenance at the Department of Public Facilities facility in Falconer, NY. File image by Justin Gould / Media Information Officer.)
MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County is experiencing a significant road salt shortage due to an exceptionally harsh and prolonged winter, consistent with challenges faced across the Northeast. Since December, steady cold temperatures have prevented uninterrupted snowmelt, leading to increased demand for road salt and subsequent supply constraints.
Despite supply chain challenges, Chautauqua County highway crews have successfully secured a recent shipment of road salt. To extend its usability, the Department of Public Facilities will begin mixing the salt with sand.
“Mixing sand with our salt supply is a practical solution to extend what we have while still maintaining safe roads,” said Director of Public Facilities Tim Card. “Sand provides additional traction, especially on secondary and rural roads, which helps improve driving conditions even with reduced salt application. However, residents should be aware that sand does not melt ice like salt does, so we encourage extra caution while driving. Our crews are working diligently to adjust our treatment methods as conditions evolve.”
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while driving, as road conditions may vary due to the modified treatment methods. The county will continue to monitor the situation and adjust strategies as needed.
“We are no stranger to winter weather here in Western New York,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. “These crews have worked tirelessly, often without a break, to keep up with the conditions, and I want to personally thank them for their dedication and service to our residents. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate everything they do to keep Chautauqua County moving safely.”
This shortage is not isolated to county operations; municipal crews throughout Chautauqua County are similarly affected. The City of Jamestown, for instance, will also implement a salt-sand mixture to manage their road treatment needs effectively.
“Our priority is the safety of our residents and travelers. By working closely with local municipalities and adjusting our strategies, we aim to maintain clear and safe roadways despite the supply challenges,” said Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “The unprecedented demand for road salt this season has required us to adapt quickly. Incorporating sand into our treatments allows us to maximize our resources while ensuring effective road maintenance.”
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our residents as we manage this situation. Warmer days are ahead, and before long, we’ll be welcoming the signs of spring. Until then, we encourage everyone to drive safely and stay informed on weather conditions.
