Murphy Seeking Federal Funds To Fix I-80 Sinkhole Issues In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Saturday declared a state of emergency in Morris County in order to access federal funding needed to repair damages caused by ongoing sinkhole issues on Interstate 80.

On Saturday, Murphy visited the section of Interstate 80 East in Wharton, which closed on Feb. 10 due to a sinkhole. During the visit, Murphy said he had requested emergency relief federal funding to repair damages to the highway and other affected areas, according to a news release.

“For several weeks now, the residents of Wharton and commuters all across New Jersey have endured major delays and disruptions as a result of the sinkholes that have opened up here on I-80,” Murphy said.

He continued, "While there is no immediate danger to the public, we will continue to do everything we can to help New Jersey commuters and families can get their lives back on track."

According to the latest update from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, crews are continuing proactive drilling and grouting on the eastbound side of I-80 between Exit 34 and the bridge over Route 15 in Wharton Borough.

Officials said crews are working around the clock to stabilize the roadway and determine what is needed to design an effective repair. The lanes of eastbound I-80 remain closed as NJDOT crews continue testing and filling voids beneath the highway with grout, which helps reinforce the road's foundation.

Last week, officials confirmed that a significant void was discovered under the center lane near Exit 34 as road crews worked to repair the initial sinkhole.

While the area has been stabilized, NJDOT officials said the discovery "will require a more extensive and lengthy repair than originally thought."

"Until a design is finalized, it is difficult to determine an exact completion date," officials said in a release.

Additionally, construction barriers and fencing were installed last weekend between the median and I-80 westbound to enhance safety during the ongoing grouting operations.