Above average snowfalls in Wisconsin are straining the Department of Transportation's supply of road salt.
Wisconsin is already well above it's five-year average for storms that require plows to be out on state roads. DOT director of highway operations Dave Vieth says that's taking a toll on road salt supplies. Vieth says the state does provide a supply cushion for above average winters, but the large numbers of storms does have them thinking about if the state will make it until the snow stops.
Heavy snows throughout the Midwest this year are raising concerns about if more salt will be available. Vieth says Wisconsin's neighbors rely on the same supply lines, which could limit availability if extra salt is needed.
For now, Vieth says the DOT and many local governments are conserving their supplies. If January turns out to be as bad as December, the state may have to change its plans for the rest of the season.