Upcoming Jan. 19 ...

Martin Luther King Day

Salt shortage could force snow removal changes

A road salt shortage that has stifled supply to communities around the country this winter has already left the City of Murfreesboro with far less than normal supply and hard choices about how it will clear icy streets this winter.

And, though the National Weather Service predicts a 42 percent chance of above-normal temperatures the rest of the winter, according to its web site, the coldest months of the year historically lay ahead.

“We wanted drivers to be aware of this situation as early as possible so they can prepare to be extra careful should a snow or ice storm hit Murfreesboro,” Street Department Director, Rick Templeton said.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation bids road salt on an annual basis and purchases salt from the lowest bidder. Murfreesboro normally has the ability to purchase  road salt from this vendor based on TDOT’s annual contract price, Templeton said this week.  Murfreesboro does not bid road salt because it doesn’t buy enough tonnage to guarantee a low contract bid price.

• City to consider adoption of new Subdivision Regulations
• Moody's assigns city A-1 Issuer Rating
• MTMC issued largest valued permit ever
• Process continues to reclaim city dump for green space
• West Main Convenience Center reopens for business
• More news