The Town of Ramapo Highway Department has begun tearing down its aging salt storage facility as work moves forward on a larger replacement ahead of the upcoming winter season.

Demolition work got underway Friday, with heavy machinery removing portions of the roughly 25-year-old structure, which has served as the Highway Department’s primary storage location for road salt used during snow and ice events throughout the town.

Ramapo Superintendent of Highways Fred Brinn said the facility had reached the point where replacement was necessary after deterioration developed around its foundation. The new structure is being funded through a combination of grant funding and money allocated by the Ramapo Town Board.

The current shed had capacity for approximately 4,000 tons of salt. Its replacement will significantly expand that capacity to approximately 5,500 tons, while providing improved protection for the town’s salt supply from rain and other weather conditions.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-October, allowing the new facility to be operational before winter weather arrives.

During construction, the Rockland County Highway Department is assisting Ramapo by temporarily storing the town’s salt supply. Brinn expressed his appreciation to the county Highway Department and Superintendent Skip Vezzetti for helping accommodate the town while the project is underway.

The project is part of the Highway Department’s preparations for the winter season, when crews use thousands of tons of salt to keep Ramapo roadways treated during snowstorms and icy conditions.