INDOT Media Relations Director Matt Deitchley said the department is getting continuous shipments of salt as needed. Crews use various other chemical de-icers, depending on the situation. He indicated that the state is in good shape in terms of supply to effectively eradicate the roads of snow and ice.
The Marshall County Commissioners received an update on snow removal from Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck Monday morning.
Haeck explained that the overtime budget is shot. He will be requesting an additional appropriation and transfer in the amount of $60,000 from the county council on Monday, Feb. 10 when the council meets for their regular meeting.
When asked about the salt supply, Haeck said the county was able to get 50 ton of salt, but the department is using other chloride chemicals to mix with the sand to aid in clearing roads. He’s working with Starke County to use the pug machine to better mix the salt and chemicals for use by the county plows and equipment.
Haeck said the department is good to go for the next snow event. He noted that in the past 20 to 25 years that he’s worked with the department, this has been the worst winter season for snow.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Commissioners Monday morning that his workers worked 30 out of 31 days in the month of January. Crews plowed 57,000 miles of roads and while the department has three trucks down, it’s not crippling their efforts to clear snow from covered roads.
The county is paying a low rate for salt at $48 a ton. Ritzler added that they’re ready for the next event.
