For Immediate Release: February 10, 2025 Contact: Jim Barry
Steve Schapiro 609-963-1975
I-80 eastbound road condition deteriorates in Wharton, Morris County
Traffic advised to use Route 46 and other alternate routes
(Trenton) – While NJDOT crews were conducting boring tests on I-80 eastbound in Wharton, Morris County this evening, road conditions deteriorated, and a sinkhole opened up. Crews are excavating the area and continuing to evaluate the situation to determine the extent of repairs. Crews will work around the clock until the road is repaired and reopened.
The compromised roadway is 75 feet away from the sinkhole repair completed in December. The area where that sinkhole was repaired is stable.
“Emergency repairs are always dynamic situations, and conditions can change quickly. While conducting tests of the roadway to determine the extent of the damage, conditions worsened,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Crews will continue to work 24-hours-a-day until the repairs are complete. The Department is working with local officials to minimize the impact of the additional traffic on neighboring communities as best as possible. We ask motorists to avoid the area and be patient while repairs are being made.”
“Earlier this morning, I met with NJDOT Commissioner O’Connor at the spot on Route 80 eastbound where a depression in the road had appeared,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). “At that time, it seemed like the damage could be repaired quickly, and we were all hopeful that traffic disruptions would be minimal.
“Unfortunately, after further investigation and testing, the situation appears to be more severe than everyone anticipated. While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, crews are working diligently to minimize disruption for commuters and travelers without overwhelming our local municipalities with detour traffic. I ask that travelers, residents, and businesses remain patient as the DOT continues to work around the clock to complete these repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible. Public safety continues to be our top priority.
“I want to thank Commissioner O’Connor and his team at the DOT for their vigilance in identifying the initial road depression and moving quickly to prevent any accidents or serious harm this situation could have caused.
“I will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they are available but please do not hesitate to call my office if you have any questions or if you need any assistance.”
I-80 eastbound will remain closed until further notice. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.
All traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34. However, traffic is advised to use Exit 28 to take Route 46 eastbound or Route 10 eastbound to avoid the area. This exit is several miles before the closure. The following detours remain in place:
Route 46 eastbound Alternate Route:
Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/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
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
Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.