WHARTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) – An eastbound stretch of Interstate 80 in New Jersey will remain closed and detoured “until further notice” but crews are “working around the clock” on repairs after a giant sinkhole swallowed part of the roadway Thursday and wreaked traffic havoc, officials said Friday.
In an update Friday, the state Department of Transportation said “a collapse of an abandoned mineshaft” caused the 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole to open up along I-80 eastbound, near Exit 34 in Wharton, Morris County.
According to the NJDOT, crews managed to stabilize the area and began excavation work Thursday night on the right shoulder and right-most lane of the highway, where the massive hole emerged Thursday.
“Crews will continue working around the clock to complete the repair and reopen the highway as soon as possible,” NJDOT said. “It is too soon to estimate a specific time because of the extensive nature of the repairs and forecasted weather this weekend.”
“I-80 eastbound will remain closed until further notice,” the department said Friday, echoing a warning it also put out Thursday night.
Officials said motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes, including Route 46. See the suggested routes below.
The massive hole opened Thursday morning and consumed the right shoulder and right lane of the highway, causing a huge traffic jam but no injuries, officials said.
Here are the detours suggested by NJDOT:
1) Route 46 eastbound Alternate Route:
• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
• Continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover back to I-80
or
• Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound
2) I-80 eastbound Detour:
• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
• Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
• Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
• Merge onto Route 15 southbound
• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound