Monessen denies running out of salt during snowstorm

City Administrator Michael Korposh said there was enough on hand to handle the weekend snowfall, and more has been ordered.

Monessen officials on Monday refuted claims by a city resident that crews ran out of road salt during Saturday’s snowstorm.

City Administrator Michael Korposh said the claim was not accurate and stressed the city maintained an adequate salt supply throughout the storm, which brought snow and icy conditions as temperatures dropped.

“The city did not run out of salt during Saturday’s storm,” Korposh said.

However, Korposh acknowledged that road crews used a significant portion of the city’s supply due to the nature of the storm, particularly the freezing temperatures and ice that followed snowfall.

He said crews were forced to treat roads more aggressively than during a typical snow event.

A new salt order was placed Friday and is scheduled to be delivered this week.

“As far as our road maintenance went, we have not heard any complaints, but conditions were a bit slicker than normal,” Korposh said. “We went through a lot of salt, but an order has already been placed so we’re ready for the next winter weather event.”

The weekend storm marked the first major weather event of the season, with fluctuating temperatures contributing to icy roadways and several inches of snow.

City officials said crews will continue monitoring conditions and supplies as winter weather persists.