Brutal winter has left some cities struggling to get stockpiles of salt for roads and sidewalks . The brine is effective because it works at a lower temperature than normal salt , according to Emil Norby , technical support manager at the Polk County Highway Department . The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the country is facing a shortage in salt, which could lead to road closures. Around the nation , municipalities have used everything from a pickle juice-like mix to cheese brine .
Brutal winter has left some cities struggling to get stockpiles of salt for roads and sidewalks . The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the country is facing a shortage in salt, which could lead to road closures. Around the nation , municipalities have used everything from a pickle juice-like mix to cheese brine .