The heavily trafficked area of Interstate 80 eastbound near the Wharton exit will remain closed “until further notice” as crews evaluate and repair a massive sinkhole, according to officials.
Located off the shoulder of the double-lane roadway, the large depression stretches 40 feet wide and 40 feet deep, New Jersey Department of Transportation officials said Thursday evening. The sinkhole was confirmed by officials at 7:45 a.m. An alert from 511nj.org stated all lanes were closed and being detoured, with motorists advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The cause of the sinkhole has not yet been determined, NJDOT officials said.
“NJDOT crews responded immediately and are on site continuing to evaluate the situation, determine the extent of the damage, and stabilize the area in order to design a repair,” officials said.
I-80 sinkhole alternate routes
The NJDOT has urged motorists to seek alternate routes, such as Route 46, or use the I-80 detour in place:
Route 46 eastbound detour:
- Motorists on I-80 should take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong. This detour is several miles before the closure
- Once on Route 46 eastbound, stay in the left two lanes and turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover, bringing you back onto I-80.
- Alternatively, motorists could stay on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles until they reach I-80 eastbound on the left
I-80 eastbound detour:
- Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being detoured onto Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- Stay right and follow signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
- Continue in the left lane on North Main Street in Wharton to Route 15 southbound to I-80/Dover
- Merge onto Route 15 southbound
- Stay in the left lane to take the exit for I-80 eastbound
Route 80 sinkhole in Morris County causes major traffic delays: Video
A sinkhole on I-80 eastbound near Exit 34 has shut down the roadway and is diverting traffic into Wharton, according to officials.
Interstate 80 westbound is not impacted.
A 511nj.org live feed of Interstate 80 looking west shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday showed traffic moving swiftly on the westbound side with traffic cones lined up and several emergency vehicles on the eastbound side. A line of traffic appeared to be at a standstill as motorists were waiting to take Exit 34.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather and other factors, NJDOT officials said.
Related Post
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25803712/HoneyCouponsTrio_LQ.jpg "Honey’s deal-hunting browser extension is accused of ripping off customers and YouTubers")
Check NJDOT website or social media for I-80 updates
Motorists can check several locations for the latest updates on the sinkhole repair:
This story will be updated when new information becomes available.
