New Jersey Turnpike Authority officials know winter is coming despite the recent wave of record-breaking warm temperatures.

Snow removal
Snow removal
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The agency has spent more than $20 million to purchase 222,000 tons of rock salt to keep the turnpike and Garden State Parkway free of ice and snow. It also has an option to buy another 25,000 tons.

Chief Operating Officer John O'Hern tells NJ.com the toll roads used a record 180,000 tons of salt during the last two winters. O'Hern says the turnpike authority hopes to have enough salt on hand at the beginning of the season.

Winter officially begins on Tuesday.

 

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