Challenges in Securing Road Salt for Illinois Communities

As winter approaches, communities in Illinois are facing difficulties in securing road salt necessary for maintaining safe road conditions. Typically, municipalities participate in a statewide joint procurement program managed by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to purchase bulk rock salt. However, more than 250 communities have been left without bids for the 2026-27 season.

CMS aggregates the salt requirements from various local governments and puts a bundled contract out for bid. Vendors then bid to supply the salt, allowing municipalities to purchase at the agreed price. Despite the usual process, this season has been problematic due to a large supplier opting not to participate.

“CMS procures road salt for hundreds of locations statewide every year to ensure communities have the materials needed for winter road safety,” wrote CMS spokesperson Cynthia Johnson. She noted that while most locations received bids, gaps were created by the absence of a major supplier.

Efforts are ongoing to source salt for affected areas, but CMS issued a warning that prices may increase if emergency allocations are necessary.

Meanwhile, some communities, like Mount Prospect, are taking measures to procure salt independently. Village Manager Michael Cassady mentioned contacting suppliers directly, resulting in an arrangement with Midwest Salt for 5,000 tons costing $562,950—$112.59 per ton, compared to $68.35 per ton last year.

Arlington Heights benefits from a mild winter last year, maintaining a full salt dome. The village is participating in a joint procurement bid with Palatine and Elk Grove Village. Other communities like Buffalo Grove plan to purchase salt from sources outside of CMS.

Successful bids were reported in places like Barrington, thanks to Lake County’s assistance, and Rolling Meadows secured their salt needs through Morton Salt. Barrington’s public works director Fred Braun stated no current issues with salt shortages.

Naperville managed to acquire 3,000 tons via CMS, and an additional 4,000 tons from emergency procurement. Prices are rising—anticipated costs are a minimum of $113.50 per ton, surpassing last year’s $70 per ton.

The Illinois Tollway also anticipates having sufficient salt supplies, opting to pursue its own procurements alongside CMS.

Aurora is employing multiple strategies, using a competitive sealed-bid process with Compass Minerals and participating in DuPage County’s joint bid. Although CMS provided no bids, the city does not foresee shortages.

Mark Fowler from the Northwest Municipal Conference remarked on the situation resembling conditions experienced five to 10 years ago when municipalities faced similar challenges. Existing stockpiles and mild winters may help mitigate current issues. He considers the situation a temporary disruption, rather than a lasting trend.