MURPHYSBORO - Southern Illinois is at 98 percent capacity going into the winter season, thanks to lower prices on rock salt, one transportation official announced Thursday.

Speaking at the Illinois Department of Transportation's Jackson County maintenance yard Thursday, Operating Engineer Keith Miley said salt prices dropped to $67 a ton from a high $94 last winter, when the product was in higher demand statewide because of a shortage caused by higher-than-average usage the previous two years.

"It was simply a matter of supply and demand," Miley said.

The 16 counties of IDOT's District 9 presently have 35,000 tons of salt on hand, while maximum capacity for the region is 36,000, he said. A five-year average annual usage estimate totals 19,000 tons, leaving the region with ample surplus.

"We're in good shape," Miley said.