Yisroel R.

The Town of Ramapo Highway Department has begun demolishing its old salt storage shed, clearing the site for a new facility that will better protect the town’s road salt supply.

Crews and heavy equipment were seen tearing down the aging structure Friday morning, with large sections of the roof and walls already removed as the demolition quickly moves forward.

The shed is used to store the large amount of salt needed by the Highway Department throughout the winter, when crews are regularly dispatched across Ramapo to treat roads during snowstorms and icy conditions.

Once the old structure is fully removed, a new salt shed will be constructed in its place, giving the department an upgraded and more secure facility to keep the salt covered and protected from rain and other severe weather conditions.

Town of Ramapo Superintendent of Highways Fred Brinn told Rockland Daily that the old salt shed, which was about 25 years old, had begun deteriorating at its foundation, making replacement necessary. Funding for the new facility came through a grant along with funds allocated by the Town Board. The old shed held approximately 4,000 tons of salt, while the new structure will increase capacity to about 5,500 tons. The new shed is expected to be completed by mid October before the winter season begins.

Superintendent Fred Brinn also thanked the Rockland County Highway Department and Superintendent Skip Vezzetti for storing the Town of Ramapo’s salt during the interim while the new salt shed is being constructed.

The work comes as the Highway Department continues preparing its equipment and facilities ahead of another winter season, with the new shed set to improve how one of the town’s most important winter supplies is stored and maintained.