Sandy took toll on N.J. Turnpike Authority

Superstorm Sandy was the costliest weather event in the history of the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority estimates the storm has cost the agency at least $15.4 million in labor, fuel costs and lost tolls. The previous record was nearly $14 million for the post-Christmas blizzard in 2010.

Chief financial officer Donna Manuelli tells The Star-Ledger of Newark about $9 million was lost in tolls on both highways.

Officials waived northbound tolls on the parkway from Oct. 28-30 and on the turnpike from Oct. 29-31. Most of the parkway was also closed.

The agency hopes to recoup most of the $6.5 million spent on repairs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.