WHARTON, N.J. – Efforts to reopen Interstate 80 have been delayed after a 40-foot sinkhole forced the closure of eastbound lanes. Officials say repairing the damage will be more complex than initially expected, raising concerns over ongoing ground stability issues in the area.
Unexpected Worsening of Sinkhole Damage
What started as a small depression in the roadway on Monday quickly expanded into a large sinkhole once crews began soil testing.
“The minute they started to do the soil borings, that’s when it opened up,” said State Senator Anthony Bucco. “So, it went from what we thought was going to be an easy fix to something much, much more difficult.”
Officials have not provided a timeline for when the affected lanes will reopen.
Abandoned Mineshafts Blamed for Recurring Sinkholes
This new sinkhole is located just 75 feet from another collapse in December that also shut down I-80.
Experts say abandoned mineshafts underneath the highway are responsible.
“What really causes these sinkholes to open up after such a long amount of time is water,” said Andrew Bechtel, a civil engineering professor at The College of New Jersey.
Bechtel explained that when the first sinkhole was filled, it likely redirected water underground, leading to a new collapse nearby.
“The real issue is to figure out where all these old mines go, fill and cap them, and then rebuild the road on top,” he added.
Safety Concerns and Business Impact
Local residents are growing increasingly anxious about the stability of the ground beneath them.
“The underground is like Swiss cheese,” said Jefferson Township resident Jeiris Cook. “There’s a bunch of old mines that weren’t filled properly, and they keep collapsing. It’s pretty scary to think the ground could just come undone underneath your feet at any moment.”
The closure is causing miles of traffic backups, affecting both commuters and local businesses.
At Townsquare Diner on Route 15, the usual lunch rush was noticeably quieter.
“People hear about the traffic in the area, and they just divert elsewhere,” said owner Peter Sedereas.
Detours and Alternate Routes
With all eastbound lanes closed at Exit 34, drivers should use the following alternate routes:
Route 46 Eastbound Alternative:
- Take Exit 28 (Route 46 eastbound) toward Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong.
- Continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal and continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Either turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover to return to I-80, or continue on Route 46 eastbound for 12 miles and merge onto I-80 eastbound.
I-80 Eastbound Detour:
- 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 access Route 15 southbound.
- Merge onto Route 15 southbound.
- Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound.
Uncertain Timeline for Reopening
State officials say they are working to assess the full extent of the damage, but given the ongoing concerns over ground stability and underground water flow, a definitive reopening date remains unclear.
Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes for the foreseeable future.
