URGENT UPDATE: The town of Bolton, Vermont has swiftly adapted to a regional road salt shortage by implementing a new strategy that prioritizes safety and cost-effectiveness. As of February 17, 2026, many communities in the Northeast face severe limitations on road salt supplies, but Bolton’s road crew is confidently using magnesium chloride to keep roads clear during this challenging winter.
Due to a supply chain crisis impacting road salt availability, Bolton officials made a proactive decision last fall. They outfitted their plows with advanced canisters of liquid magnesium chloride, enhancing their ability to combat snow and ice. This alternative mineral salt, derived from seawater and brine, is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being less corrosive and more environmentally friendly than traditional rock salt.
Bolton’s road crew member, Cody Quenneville, explained the innovative system: “That’s the tank that we got installed that pre-treats the salt at the spinner. It pumps it from there, and there’s a hose line that comes up through under the body up here to our chute that goes to our spinner, and it applies the liquid at a very, very low rate.”
While magnesium chloride can cost up to twice as much as standard rock salt, officials claim that the initial investment is already yielding significant savings. Putnam, a key figure in the town’s road maintenance, stated, “Our salt budget roughly is cut in half. Last year they used 1,200 tons of salt, and now we’re at 577 tons, and we’re at the downside of the season.”
This strategic switch not only reduces costs but also increases efficiency in snow removal operations. The magnesium chloride releases heat, allowing it to work effectively even in lower temperatures, which has lessened the workload on their small crew. “If we weren’t using magnesium chloride, we wouldn’t be able to keep up with just two guys,” Putnam noted.
Residents are already noticing the positive effects on road conditions. “They don’t see the truck as much, but the roads are in better shape,” Putnam reported, adding he has received “a lot more thumbs up from people,” according to Quenneville.
The transition to magnesium chloride has not been without its challenges, but Bolton crew members believe that other towns could benefit from adopting similar practices. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) typically relies on regular salt, but they have acknowledged the advantages of magnesium chloride in extreme cold.
As towns across the Northeast grapple with supply shortages, Bolton’s innovative approach stands out as a model for communities seeking to maintain safe road conditions during winter storms. The town’s commitment to improving road safety while managing costs is a compelling story of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.
Residents and officials alike are optimistic that this new method will pave the way for enhanced winter road maintenance in the future. Stay tuned for updates on how other communities respond to the ongoing road salt crisis.
