N.J. DOT: Winter was state’s second costliest

Spring has replaced a winter that was the second costliest for New Jersey’s Transportation Department in terms of snow removal.

The DOT spent nearly $51 million through March 9 for materials, labor and equipment.

 

The winter of 2010-11 was the costliest at $56 million.

DOT spokesman Joe Dee tells The Star-Ledger of Newark there were more statewide storm events this winter even though there was less snow than the 2010-11 winter.

There were 28 storm events in 2010-11, including a blizzard the day after Christmas. There were 32 storm events this winter, including 22 statewide.

Dee says crews had to mobilize before the storms hit.

Dee says $23 million of the money spent on winter snow removal went to contractors who the DOT hired at $172.15 an hour.