Kane County Already Preparing for Winter's Return
Although summer hasn't officially ended yet, the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) is already preparing to keep County roads safe this winter.
The Kane County Board recently approved the purchase of 8,000 tons of dry and treated road salt for KDOT and participating townships and municipalities for $912,000 in preparation for the 2024-25 winter season.
"KDOT estimates that we will be using approximately eight to 10 thousand tons of salt depending on the winter," said Michael Way, KDOT Road Maintenance Superintendent.
The new vendor this year offered a lower price than last year and Way said the new contract also will allow for the purchase of additional salt if needed at the same lower cost.
"So if we do get a little bit of a heavier winter, which historically is based on hurricane season, we could purchase up to 150% at that low price if needed," Way added.
KDOT uses an enhanced rock salt mixture to improve melting efficiency and reduce the corrosiveness of the salt. The maintenance department also applies an anti-icing technique, using a liquid salt brine on dry road surfaces in anticipation of snow or ice, particularly on curves, hills, and bridges.
KDOT also strives to reduce the potential for water pollution from road salt runoff. To combat this, KDOT has adopted measures to adjust snow removal operations on County roads based on traffic counts, time of day, day of the week and the following day weather forecast.
