WHARTON, N.J. — Interstate 80 eastbound was closed early Monday morning after transportation officials discovered a depression in the roadway, prompting safety precautions and major traffic disruptions.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) stated that the depression was spotted in the center eastbound lane around 6:45 a.m. near Exit 34, and the closure will remain in place until further notice.
Cause of the Depression and Previous Issues
The affected section of I-80 had previously been closed in late December when a 40-foot sinkhole opened up due to the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft beneath the highway. The closure at that time lasted nearly four days.
Officials believe the recent depression may be related to water table fluctuations, as recent weather and underground water movement could have triggered the new issue.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who was briefed at the scene, downplayed the severity, calling it a “minor depression.” However, out of an abundance of caution, transportation crews are working to ensure the roadway is fully stabilized before reopening.
“They do think that [the depression] had something to do with the water table,” Bucco said. “The hope is to get the work done before the next storm moves through.”
Impact on Traffic and Commuters
The closure caused severe traffic delays, with the backup stretching eight miles to Exit 27 during the morning rush.
Mia Onufrak of Roxbury, who experienced the traffic firsthand, described it as “the worst traffic I have ever been in in my life.” What is typically a 15-minute commute took her over two hours.
Alternative Routes for Drivers
Route 46 Eastbound Detour
- Take Exit 28 from I-80 eastbound to Route 46 eastbound toward Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong.
- Continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Stay in the left two lanes and turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Drivers can either:
- Turn left onto Route 15 northbound to return to I-80 or
- Continue on Route 46 eastbound for 12 miles and merge back onto I-80 eastbound.
I-80 Eastbound Detour
- Take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta.
- Stay right and follow signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta.
- Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound toward I-80/Dover.
- Merge onto Route 15 southbound and stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound.
Future Steps and Ongoing Work
Crews are working to assess and repair the roadway as quickly as possible, with officials hoping to complete repairs before the next storm system hits the area. Given the history of abandoned mines in the Wharton area, as noted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, further inspections may be required to prevent future issues.
Drivers are advised to check real-time traffic updates and consider alternate routes until the situation is resolved.
