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The Ohio Department of Transportation is preparing for the 2026–2027 winter season by inspecting nearly 1,700 trucks, replenishing salt supplies and hiring additional drivers. ODOT reports that more than 600,000 tons of salt are available statewide, with deliveries continuing. The preparations follow a previous winter in which crews used nearly 813,000 tons of salt and 16.9 million gallons of liquid deicers.
Ohio is preparing for winter weather as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) begins inspecting snowplows, replenishing salt supplies and hiring additional drivers ahead of the 2026–2027 winter season.
The statewide preparations follow a demanding winter last year, when crews used hundreds of thousands of tons of salt and millions of gallons of liquid deicers to keep roads safe.
ODOT winter preparations include 1,700 trucks
ODOT winter preparations include inspections of nearly 1,700 trucks to ensure the equipment is ready for snow and ice removal.
According to ODOT’s October 8 announcement, approximately 250 mechanics are conducting 150-point inspections on the trucks. The inspections help crews identify maintenance issues before winter weather arrives.
The department is also preparing its workforce for the season by recruiting additional drivers to help maintain roads during snow and ice events.
ODOT’s winter operations cover state and U.S. routes outside municipalities, along with nearly all interstate highways across Ohio.
Ohio stocks more than 600,000 tons of road salt
Ohio’s road salt supply exceeds 600,000 tons, according to ODOT, with additional deliveries continuing as the department prepares for winter.
Central Ohio has more than 90,000 tons of salt available, according to local news reports. The supplies are stored under cover to help protect them from the elements before crews spread the material on roads.
Salt helps melt snow and ice, improving traction and reducing hazardous driving conditions. ODOT also uses liquid deicers as part of its winter road treatment operations.
The department’s preparations follow a winter season that required substantial resources. ODOT reported using nearly 813,000 tons of salt and 16.9 million gallons of liquid deicers during the previous winter.
ODOT prepares crews to maintain Ohio highways
ODOT relies on nearly 3,000 drivers to support its winter operations across the state.
The department maintains more than 43,000 lane miles of roadway, making early equipment inspections, salt deliveries and workforce preparations essential to its winter response.
ODOT has also established targets for restoring normal traffic speeds after snow events. The department aims to restore normal speeds on primary routes within two hours after a snow event ends and on secondary routes within four hours.
ODOT reported meeting these targets 99.3% of the time during the previous winter.
However, winter driving remains dangerous for motorists and road crews. ODOT reported that 58 snowplows were struck by other vehicles during the previous winter.
Drivers urged to use caution during winter weather
As winter approaches, motorists should prepare their vehicles and adjust their driving habits for snow, ice and reduced visibility.
Drivers should reduce their speed when road conditions deteriorate, leave additional space between vehicles and allow extra time to reach their destinations.
Motorists should also give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Passing a snowplow can be dangerous because the equipment may have limited visibility and may push snow or spread deicing materials across the road.
ODOT’s preparations aim to help crews respond efficiently when winter weather affects Ohio highways. However, officials’ ability to clear roads also depends on weather conditions, traffic and the severity of individual snow events.
Residents can monitor road conditions and travel restrictions through ODOT’s official resources as the winter season progresses.
FAQs
What is road salt used for during winter?
Road salt is used to melt snow and ice on roads and help prevent ice from forming or accumulating. It lowers the freezing point of water, making it easier for road crews to maintain safer driving conditions during winter weather. ODOT spreads salt on highways and other state-maintained routes when conditions require treatment.
How does road salt melt ice on roads?
Road salt lowers the temperature at which water freezes. When salt dissolves in the thin layer of water on ice, it forms a saltwater solution that freezes at a lower temperature than plain water. This helps melt existing ice and makes it harder for additional ice to form under suitable conditions.
How quickly does ODOT aim to clear roads after a snowstorm?
ODOT aims to restore normal traffic speeds on primary routes within two hours after a snow event ends and on secondary routes within four hours. Actual conditions and response times can vary depending on the severity of the weather.
Can road salt damage vehicles?
Yes. Salt used on winter roads can contribute to corrosion on vehicle underbodies, brake components and other metal parts. Drivers can help reduce the risk by washing their vehicles, particularly the undercarriage, after driving on heavily salted roads.
