NJDOT gears up for another blast of winter weather

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is preparing for another potentially significant winter storm, expected to arrive this afternoon. The storm would be the second major weather event in New Jersey so far this winter season.

The forecast calls for a combination of snow and high winds tonight and into tomorrow, with up to eight inches or more of snow accumulating in parts of the state.

NJDOT crews began pre-treating major roadways yesterday with brine solution to start the melting process as soon as the first flakes fall.

Ample snow and ice-melting supplies are on hand, including about 85,000 tons of rock salt, 458,000 gallons of liquid calcium and 89,000 gallons of brine solution.

NJDOT has a fleet of 425 trucks to plow and spread salt, supplemented by approximately 1,350 contractor plows and spreaders. Plowing and salt-spreading crews are on alert and will be mobilized to locations throughout the state prior to the start of the storm. The NJDOT South Region Emergency Operations Center has been mobilized as of 12 p.m.

NJDOT crews and contractors are prepared to work all night, through Wednesday and as long as it takes to keep 12,950 lane miles of interstate and state highways as safe as possible.

NJDOT annually budgets $10.3 million for snow removal with language in the budget for a supplemental $10 million. Any costs beyond $20 million require legislative approval.

Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, exercise caution and should avoid unnecessary trips during the storm. NJDOT is working with NJ State Police to further ensure public safety. Motorists should remain behind snow-fighting equipment on the roadways and avoid attempting to pass the trucks.

It is state law to make all reasonable efforts to remove snow from a vehicle’s roof, hood, trunk and windshield. In the case of a truck, the law applies to the roof of a cab and the top of a semi-trailer, trailer or intermodal freight container.

Real-time traffic information, including weather-related incidents, is available by calling 511 or online at www.511nj.org.