Abandoned Mine Collapsed, Causing Massive Sinkhole On Route 80: NJDOT

WHARTON, NJ —Emergency sinkhole repairs continue along Route 80 in Morris County after an abandoned mineshaft collapsed on Thursday, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

The 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole opened in the shoulder of Route 80 east near Wharton on Thursday morning, closing all eastbound lanes near mile post 34. Transportation officials said a closure and detour will remain in place until further notice, and repairs may be hampered by the freezing rain in the forecast for the weekend.

"It is too soon to estimate a specific time because of the extensive nature of the repairs and forecasted weather this weekend," NJDOT said on Friday.

Crews stabilized the area and began excavation on Thursday night, and will work "around the clock" to reopen the highway, the department added.

Records from the state Geological Survey show that there are a number of abandoned iron mines in Wharton.

There are several options to bypass the massive chasm:

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.

For the most up-to-date traffic information, drivers can check 511nj.org.