The regional road salt shortage has forced a change in winter operations procedures for the City of Naperville.

The City plans to continue to plow all roadways but has implemented a salt conservation plan by mixing in sand for application on secondary roadways. 

Currently, primary roadways will continue to be salted.

The City has established a priority plowing system for approximately 1,500 lane miles so that main traffic routes and thoroughfares are plowed first. 

Primary streets which include main streets, roads through subdivisions, roads that link arterial roads, and streets with schools will be plowed and salted. 

Secondary streets which include residential streets as well as cul-de-sacs with 16 or more homes whose driveways are located on the cul-de-sac will be plowed but will only receive the salt/sand mix on hills, curves and controlled intersections. 

Cul-de-sacs with less than 16 homes and alleys will be plowed; however, they will only be salted if absolutely necessary. 

Downtown parking lots, train stations  and lots at City buildings will be plowed, but only the drive aisles will be salted. Sidewalks and the train station platforms will continue to be cleared and salted.

As a result of this change, drivers may experience some snow-packed roadways within neighborhoods and should adjust their speed to accommodate these conditions. Drivers are reminded to slow down, use caution and leave extra space between vehicles when driving in winter conditions.

Naperville receives its salt supply through the Illinois Joint Purchasing Program. 

The City has received 4,600 of the 12,000 tons ordered. Supplies through-out the state are at low levels resulting in shortages. 

To date, the City has responded to 31 winter events and spread 16,000 tons of salt. In comparison by the end of January 2013, the City had responded to seven winter events and spread 4,300 tons of salt. 

–News Bulletin news sources