Another Void Found, Delaying I-80 Reopening Until May: What To Know

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Repair work on I-80 eastbound in Morris County has hit a setback as testing uncovered another major void beneath the highway, derailing hopes of reopening two westbound lanes this week.

This weekend, state Department of Transportation officials announced they are now aiming for a May reopening of both east and westbound lanes.

Officials said if repairs remain on track, two eastbound lanes could reopen in approximately seven weeks, with the remaining lanes expected to follow shortly thereafter.

The announcement came as a surprise to officials. During a March 22 tour of the I-80 sinkhole site with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Gov. Phil Murphy had stated that two westbound lanes could reopen by the end of the week, "pending testing."

However, the timeline was delayed after a new void was discovered beneath the left lane of I-80 west, DOT officials said on Friday.

“Unfortunately, testing revealed another significant void in the left lane of I-80 westbound,” Murphy said. “Safety is our top priority and we must ensure that the roadway is safe for motorists before we can reopen.”

DOT officials also said the final design for I-80 west repairs is expected to be completed next week. With eastbound repairs progressing, two separate crews will work concurrently—one on each side—to expedite the process.

“Today’s update from the NJDOT provided key insights into the I-80 situation. The westbound

lanes remain closed, but the NJDOT is advancing a permanent solution on both sides… Obviously, this is subject to change as the repairs continue,” Senator Anthony M. Bucco said. "I understand the frustration of commuters and businesses, and I truly appreciate everyone’s patience."

Both the westbound and eastbound lanes of I-80 have been closed for more than a week, officials confirmed. The westbound lanes were shut down as a precaution after a sinkhole formed in the median near I-80 west on March 19, halting traffic on the highway in Wharton.

Meanwhile, the eastbound lanes at Exit 34 have been closed since Feb. 10 due to a sinkhole that developed in the center lanes.

Residents of western Morris County have been coping with delays and heavier traffic in their communities. The troubles on I-80 date back to December, when the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft triggered the first sinkhole.

To address the ongoing disruptions, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a 50% NJ TRANSIT discount on roundtrip fares, available for the duration of the repairs. He also declared a State of Emergency in Morris County to request federal funding for the repairs.

“The public has been given timelines for completion of work,” Assemblyman ChristianBarranco said. “My legislative team will continue to monitor the progress made."

NJDOT has created an I-80 project web page to keep the public updated on repair progress. The page also provides information on detours, alternate routes, and other options to help minimize traffic congestion in the area.

Additionally, a new I-80 travel time page has been added to www.511NJ.org, offering residents real-time travel times for detours and alternate routes.