More Lane Closures Scheduled On I-80 Near Morris Co. Sinkhole: NJDOT

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Commuters should brace for more travel disruptions this week, as a section of I-80 will be closed just miles west of the Route 80 sinkhole that's already causing headaches for drivers.

Just miles west of the Route 80 sinkhole site, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced lane closures on I-80 westbound Tuesday for urgent pothole repairs and highway restriping near Exit 30/Howard Boulevard.

On Monday evening, the agency notified residents about two-lane closures on I-80 westbound starting at milepost 31.5, before Exit 30/Howard Boulevard, through milepost 29.9. The closures will occur Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with one lane open at all times.

If weather conditions cause delays, a third closure will be scheduled for the same hours on Thursday.

"The closures are necessary for pothole repairs resulting from normal wear and tear, as well as the harsh winter that has had frequent precipitation and significant freeze/thaw cycles," NJDOT said in a statement.

The work is part of the ongoing I-80 Bridges over Howard Boulevard replacement project in Mount Arlington, officials said.

The $65.4 million federally funded project will replace the aging bridges carrying I-80 eastbound and westbound over Howard Boulevard/CR 516. Planned improvements include raising the bridges' vertical clearance, widening shoulders, lengthening acceleration and deceleration lanes, and expanding the ramps to and from Howard Boulevard.

The Howard Boulevard intersection will also be reconfigured for improved traffic flow.

The project will also upgrade traffic signals and lighting, and add ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks. Sidewalks will be extended to the Mount Arlington Train Station to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and mobility.

Completion is expected by summer 2027, officials said.

Eastbound lanes of the interstate have been closed since Feb. 10 and are expected to remain closed for another couple of weeks, officials said. As repairs continue, NJDOT crews have discovered additional structural issues that will require further work to fully stabilize the roadway and ensure long-term safety.

Motorists can find updates and additional information on the NJDOT traffic website at www.511nj.org.