Regional Salt Shortage | What You Need to Know

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026

Cleveland is currently experiencing a rock salt shortage due to delayed deliveries from Cargill, the state-contracted supplier for Cuyahoga County. This shortage is impacting municipalities throughout Northeast Ohio.

The Department of Public Works placed salt orders in August, but a portion of that salt remains undelivered. While the City continues to press for delivery, limited supplies require the following temporary adjustments to winter operations:

Plowing: City crews will continue to plow all streets, including residential areas, and will increase efforts where conditions require.

Salt Prioritization: Salt will be prioritized for main roads, hills, dangerous intersections, and areas near hospitals and schools.

Residential Streets: These streets will be plowed but may not be salted during the shortage. This may result in snow-covered or slippery conditions lasting longer than usual.

Staffing: Crews will work extended hours, including nights and weekends, to maintain safe travel conditions with available resources.

These operational changes are temporary and will remain in place until salt deliveries resume.

Please use caution when driving or walking, allow extra travel time, and keep a safe distance from snowplows.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as our crews work to keep streets as safe as possible during this regional shortage.