Nova Scotia spent $20 million more on snow clearing than it budgeted for, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal said on Thursday.

Last week's provincial budget pegged the cost at $75 million to cover all plowing, salting and sanding this winter. That pushed it $15 million past the budgeted amount, and the minister for the department said an update pushes the cost higher still.

"It looks like we're going to be in the $80 million range. Obviously we wouldn't spare any investment or resources when it comes to winter clearing," said Geoff MacLellan.

"It's certainly been a struggle with salt, with staff, with the private crews we brought in and with, of course, our several hundred pieces of equipment we have out."

Halifax is also estimating it overspent its $20.5-million snow clearing budget.

"We're guessing it is about $10 million over," Jennifer Stairs, a spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality, said Wednesday.