Most parts of New Jersey did not get any accumulating snow Monday, just a lot of rain, but state Department of Transportation crews were out and about nonetheless, treating roadways to make sure they didn't freeze up.

truck gathering salt
Julie Denesha, Getty Images
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So far this season there have been 16 winter weather events, costing the DOT a little more than $13 million.

"Even if snow is not forecast, we always plan for a worst-case scenario and get our crews activated and ready to go, to make sure that we're out there keeping the roads clear and safe for the public," said Steve Schapiro, NJDOT spokesman.

To fight Old Man Winter, Schapiro said the DOT has spent millions on "63,500 tons of salt, another 157,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride -- which helps the salt work better in colder temperatures -- and then we've also used 307,000 gallons of brine, which is applied to road surfaces before a storm to help prevent snow from sticking to the road."

He said the amounts of time, manpower and product used vary from storm to storm.

"It depends on how long the storm is going to last, what the temperatures are, whether the storm is statewide or is just in one portion of the state, and how quickly snow or ice is accumulating on roads," Schapiro said. "Every storm is different."

While the state deploys its crews, local Department of Public Works personnel are also dispatched any time snow, sleet or freezing rain is in the forecast.

"Mayors and governing body officials have to stand vigilant during these uncertain times of weather conditions," said Bill Dressel, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

Dressel said depending on the type of event, its severity and the area being affected, winter weather storms can cost tens of thousands of dollars on the municipal level.

"These are costs that have to be incurred in order to protect and safeguard the public's interest," he said.

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