A new problem has emerged on Interstate 80 (I-80) in Wharton, New Jersey, adding to the difficulties caused by previous sinkholes found in December and earlier this month.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) discovered a void beneath the highway, which could delay ongoing repairs and impact local businesses. Officials are working to assess the extent of the issue and ensure the road’s safety before reopening it.
New Void Found on I-80 Near Previous Sinkholes
During routine inspections, New Jersey State Police noticed a dimple in the road, leading NJDOT to investigate further. They found a void beneath the eastbound lanes, but it is not a sinkhole.
Void vs. Sinkhole: What’s the Difference?
- Void – An empty underground cavity that has not yet caused the surface to collapse.
- Sinkhole – A visible opening or depression on the ground caused by the collapse of an underground space.
This new discovery complicates repairs, as NJDOT now reports 135 potential voids in the area, which sits above abandoned mines. These underground mines make it difficult to ensure the stability of the road.
State Senator Anthony Bucco confirmed that NJDOT is using advanced mapping technology to assess the situation, ensuring that all voids are accounted for before reopening the lanes.
Delays in Repair Timeline
Initially, NJDOT estimated that I-80 repairs would take three weeks. However, with the new void discovery, the timeline is now extended indefinitely as crews conduct more tests.
Current Status of I-80 Eastbound Closure
- Closed at Exit 34 (Wharton, NJ) since February 10
- No official reopening date yet
- Ongoing testing to determine damage extent
Impact on Local Businesses
The I-80 closure has severely affected local businesses, especially those that rely on regular customer traffic.
One such business is Pop’s Bagel Shop, located near the closure. Owner Yaz Muheisen reported that sales have dropped by almost 30% because local customers are struggling to reach the shop.
Rob Leigh, a loyal customer, said he braved the traffic just to support the small business:
“This is a nice, family-owned business that I’ve been frequenting for many years, and I know they’re hurting.”
Help for Struggling Businesses
Senator Bucco announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) will host a seminar in Wharton to help local businesses apply for grants and loan programs to mitigate financial losses.
Detours and Alternate Routes for I-80 Eastbound Closure
To help ease congestion, NJDOT has set up several detour routes for motorists traveling eastbound on I-80.
Primary Detour (Exit 34 to Route 15 North)
- Take Exit 34 toward Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- At the end of the ramp, stay right, following signs for Route 15 North
- Merge onto Route 15 North toward Jefferson/Sparta
- Use Pondview Drive to make a U-turn back onto Route 15 South
- Take the exit to I-80 Eastbound
Alternate Route: Using Route 10 Eastbound
- Take Exit 28 to Route 46 Eastbound toward Route 10
- Merge onto Route 10 Eastbound
- Take the exit to I-287 Northbound
- Stay right and merge onto I-80 Eastbound
Alternate Route: Using Route 46 Eastbound
- Take Exit 28 to Route 46 Eastbound
- Stay in the left two lanes and continue on Route 46
- Turn left onto Route 15 Northbound in Dover to rejoin I-80
- OR continue on Route 46 East for about 12 miles, then merge back onto I-80 Eastbound
