New York State Expands Road Salt Management Program for 2025-26 Snow and Ice Season

By C.G. Hoffman

The New York State Department of Transportation is expanding its road salt management initiatives statewide for the 2025-26 snow and ice season, building on prior efforts to reduce salt usage while maintaining safe and reliable roadways. The program includes enhanced training for snowplow operators, the use of innovative equipment, and best management practices designed to optimize salt application. The expansion also incorporates the Direct Liquid Application (DLA) method, which applies liquid salt brine instead of granular salt, reducing overall usage while maintaining road safety.

Since 2018, NYSDOT’s salt management initiatives have successfully lowered the statewide average application rate for granular salt from 194 pounds per lane-mile to 172 pounds, with DLA achieving even lower rates. The program leverages technology such as GPS-enabled spreaders, segmented plow blades, and road temperature sensors to more precisely control salt application. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to continuously improve winter road maintenance while protecting New York’s environment.

State agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health, are supporting the initiative through funding and technical guidance. Programs such as the Water Quality Improvement Projects Grant and Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning Grant provide municipalities with resources for salt storage, brine-making equipment, and the development of winter road maintenance plans. To date, more than $52 million has been awarded to 204 projects statewide to implement road salt reduction and best management practices, helping to improve water quality and public safety across New York.