Jefferson County commissioners approved ordering an additional 3,500 tons of road salt to help Steubenville drivers get through the winter driving season.

The order brings the total to 4,500 tons of road salt. Last year, the city used 6,000 tons.

The salt cost $108 per ton, compared to about $46 a ton last season.

Officials said the supply will need to be used more sparingly.

The salt was purchased from Morton’s in Cleveland and should arrive in four to six weeks.

To alleviate the shortage, the Jefferson County engineer said crews will probably use more of a salt-cinder mix. Commissioners also ordered about 3,000 tons of cinders.