Update on I-80 Eastbound Ongoing Repairs

I-80 eastbound repairs ongoing in Wharton, Morris County

Work providing understanding of subsurface conditions to design a repair

(Trenton) – NJDOT crews are continuing proactive drilling and grouting on I-80 eastbound

between Exit 34 and the Bridge over Route 15 in Wharton, Morris County. This work, taking place 24 hours a day, is helping to stabilize the roadway and provide a better understanding of the subsurface conditions necessary to design a repair.

The Department is continuing to explore all available options to restore mobility impacted by the emergency construction. In addition, NJDOT has been in communication with FHWA and will continue to do so as repairs continue.

“As the drilling and grouting work continues, we are stabilizing I-80 eastbound and narrowing in on the area that will require a more lengthy repair,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Once we have a better understanding of the subsurface conditions, we can finalize the design for a repair. In the meantime, we are exploring all options to improve traffic through the area while construction is ongoing.

“Safety is our primary concern – for the crews working around the clock, for the motorists that have been impacted, and for the residents and businesses in the neighboring communities. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as repairs continue and thank our local partners and the New Jersey State Police for their cooperation.”

“As we continue to work on addressing the sinkhole on I-80, I want to reassure the public that Commissioner O’Connor and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) crews continue to work around the clock, diligently assessing the situation, and identifying the full extent of the problem,” Senator Anthony M. Bucco said. “As they narrow in on the problem area, I’m confident that the necessary repairs will be completed in a manner that continues to keep the safety of commuters and residents as our top priority. We understand the inconvenience this has caused, and we are committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible so that everyone can return to their daily routines without further disruption. We will continue to keep the public informed as we move through this process.”

“The State Police have been critical in keeping people safe during this crisis, and their dedication is greatly appreciated,” Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn said. “While repairs have strengthened the roadway, we must focus on long-term solutions. This highway is a lifeline for our economy, and the businesses and workers impacted by these disruptions deserve support. New Jerseyans are resilient, but we cannot do this alone, and I will continue fighting for the resources our state needs.”

“As we all know, this project is going to take longer than initially expected. I am confident in

DOT’s professionalism to see this work to completion,” Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco

said. “My office stands ready to assist constituents and the governing bodies of the affected

towns.”

UPDATE

The void that was identified last week underneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound has been stabilized. It will require additional work to repair, the extent of which is still being determined. In addition, construction barrier and fencing were installed over the weekend between the median and I-80 westbound to provide additional safety during the grouting operations.

The drilling and grouting operation is validating the findings of initial testing and providing

information to narrow down where additional repairs may be necessary so a design can be

finalized. At this time, it is difficult to determine an exact completion date.

As of this morning, Wednesday, March 5, 82 locations, or about 61 percent, have been drilled, and 57 locations, or more than 42 percent, have been filled with grout. These areas are not all voids, but locations requiring investigation. The number of locations that require further investigation may be adjusted as work progresses.

This proactive drilling and grouting help identify and address potential problem areas before they develop into voids, surface-level depressions, or sinkholes. This type of operation requires a high degree of precision and measurements. To do so safely, the contractor is proceeding with extreme caution in the affected area. There are multiple drill rigs working 24 hours a day. This is a time-consuming process as it requires the operator to drill down and fill the shaft with grout.

The purpose of this is to firm up the base of the road, which is done when the grout spreads into any existing voids. Crews are continuing proactive drilling and grouting operations to stabilize other portions of the roadway and will continue to work 24 hours a day to complete these repairs as safely and efficiently as possible.

TRAFFIC MITIGATION

The Department is continuing to work closely with local officials and the New Jersey State Police to improve mobility along the detour and alternate routes in the region. NJDOT has adjusted the timing of signals on Route 15, Route 10, and Route 46, which serve as the detour and alternate routes, respectively. NJDOT and New Jersey State Police will continue to monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as necessary to mitigate delays. We ask motorists to avoid the area, plan extra travel time, and be patient while repairs are ongoing.

In addition, NJDOT is using technology to send messages to commercial truckers to provide

information about the closure, detour, and alternate routes. The Department is also using digital messaging signs and working with our regional transportation partners to share information so drivers can make informed decisions about potential alternate routes to take.

DETOURS AND ALTERNATE ROUTES

All I-80 eastbound traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34 and the following detour remains in place until further notice:

I-80 eastbound Exit 34 Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route

15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta

• At the end of the ramp, stay right following signs for Route

15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta/Picatinny Arsenal

• Stay in the right lane on North Main Street following signs for Route 15

North/Jefferson/Sparta

• Bear right toward Route 15 northbound/Picatinny Arsenal

• At the traffic signal, merge onto Route 15 northbound

• Stay left, following signs for Pondview Drive/U and Left Turns

• Using both lanes, make a U-turn at the Pondview Drive traffic signal and merge onto Route

15 southbound

• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound

Traffic is advised to use Exit 28 to take Route 10 eastbound or Route 46 eastbound as

an alternate route to avoid the area. This exit is several miles before the closure:

Route 10 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 right to take Route 10 eastbound

• Take the exit to I-287 northbound

• Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound

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

• Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound

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.