As winter weather continues across the Chicago region, Park Forest officials say they have sufficient road salt on hand to maintain safe travel conditions for the remainder of the winter season, despite a broader salt shortage affecting parts of the Midwest.
The Village’s Public Works Department began the 2025–26 snow season with approximately 1,970 tons of salt stored in its dome, according to Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre.
“We started out this snow season with 90 percent of our dome being full,” Ysaguirre said. “We now have about 900 tons in the salt dome and have just ordered 800 tons under our current contract.”
Ysaguirre said the Village has consistently entered winter seasons with a nearly full salt dome, relying on leftover supply from the prior year rather than placing early pre-season orders.'"
“So, we never ordered at the start of the season. We use salt left over from the prior season," Ysaguirre said.
Currently, the Village has about 1,070 tons of salt available, including material on hand and pending deliveries. Under its existing contract, the Village requested 1,320 tons of salt for the season. The contract requires the Village to purchase at least 80% of that amount — approximately 1,056 tons — and allows for purchases up to 20% above the requested total, or up to 1,584 tons, if conditions warrant.
The Village’s preparedness comes as some communities and private contractors across the Midwest have reported difficulty securing road salt due to increased demand and supply chain challenges. Chicago-area officials have acknowledged the shortage, while emphasizing that municipal stockpiles remain stable.
This season, winter weather has been more active than average. The National Weather Service reports that the Chicago area has already received above-normal snowfall compared to seasonal averages, with totals exceeding those recorded at the same point last winter. Typical full-season snowfall for the region averages around 38 inches.
“I think people expect crews to move snow and keep roads safe no matter the weather,” Ysaguirre said. “Our goal is to make sure we have the materials and equipment to do that all season.”
The Village of Park Forest will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust operations as needed to ensure roadways remain passable and safe for residents and commuters throughout the remainder of the winter.