NJDOT Crews Working to Repair I-80 EastboundRoadway Depression in Wharton, Morris County
Traffic advised to use Route 46 and other alternate routes
(Trenton) – NJDOT crews are working to evaluate the cause of a roadway depression on I-80 eastbound and design a repair in Wharton, Morris County. The highway remains closed and detoured until further notice. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.
Out of an abundance of caution, NJDOT crews quickly closed I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 in Wharton at approximately 6:45 am today after a depression in the center lane was observed. The depression is 75 feet away from the sinkhole repair completed in December. The area where the sinkhole was repaired is stable.
The Department is conducting boring tests and using ground penetrating radar to determine the cause of the depression. Crews have completed milling a 30-foot section of the center lane in order to do further testing. Crews will work around the clock until the road is repaired and reopened. Engineers are continuing to evaluate the situation to determine the extent of repairs.
“NJDOT crews are on site testing the roadway to determine why a depression formed in the pavement so we can get it repaired and reopen the roadway as quickly and safely as possible,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Our crews will work around the clock until the repairs are complete.”
"I want to commend Commissioner O’Connor and his entire team at the NJDOT for their swift action regarding the road depression on Interstate 80 and for keeping myself and other officials apprised of the situation,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). “Our main concern is ensuring the road is repaired as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruption for commuters and travelers without overwhelming our local municipalities with detour traffic. Additionally, with the upcoming winter storm, we are working closely with state and local agencies to ensure all necessary precautions are in place, and we urge everyone to stay informed and drive safely during this challenging time."
I-80 eastbound will remain closed until further notice. 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. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, such as Route 46, or use the following detours:
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 websitewww.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.