Sinkhole Continues To Disrupt I-80, Reopening Date Uncertain: NJDOT

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A section of Interstate 80 East in Wharton, closed since Feb. 10 due to a sinkhole, may remain closed longer than previously expected, with no reopening date in sight, the New Jersey Department of Transportation said Wednesday.

According to the latest update, NJDOT 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. This work, being carried out 24 hours a day, aims to stabilize the roadway and provide a clearer understanding of the subsurface conditions needed to design an effective repair.

"As the drilling and grouting work continues, we are stabilizing I-80 eastbound and narrowing in
on the area that will require a more lengthy repair," NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor
said. "Once we have a better understanding of the subsurface conditions, we can finalize the
design for a repair. In the meantime, we are exploring all options to improve traffic through the
area while construction is ongoing."

The NJDOT stated that they are exploring all available options to restore mobility affected by the emergency construction. Additionally, the department has been in ongoing communication with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and will continue to coordinate as repairs progress.

The lanes of I-80 East remain closed as NJDOT crews continue testing and filling voids beneath the highway with grout, which helps reinforce the road's foundation. Officials confirmed that a significant void under the center lane was stabilized last week. However, further repairs are needed, and the full scope of the work is still being assessed.

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

"Safety is our primary concern – for the crews working around the clock, for the motorists that

have been impacted, and for the residents and businesses in the neighboring communities," O’Connor said.

As of Wednesday morning, crews have drilled 82 locations, or about 61 percent of the planned sites, and filled 57 locations, or more than 42 percent, with grout. NJDOT officials clarified that these areas are not all voids but locations that required investigation.

The number of sites requiring further examination may be adjusted as work progresses. This proactive drilling and grouting helps identify and address potential problem areas before they develop into voids, surface depressions, or sinkholes.

Officials said it is currently difficult to determine an exact completion date for the project, as additional repairs may be needed before a final design can be completed.

“As we all know, this project is going to take longer than initially expected. I am confident in DOT’s professionalism to see this work to completion,” Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco said. “My office stands ready to assist constituents and the governing bodies of the affected towns.”

NJDOT has adjusted the timing of signals on Route 15, Route 10, and Route 46, which are being used as detour and alternate routes. NJDOT and the New Jersey State Police will continue to monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as needed to reduce delays. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, allow for extra travel time, and remain patient as repairs continue.

Traffic on I-80 East is still being detoured at Exit 34 in Wharton. Drivers are also advised to take Exit 28 and use Route 10 eastbound or Route 46 eastbound as alternate routes to avoid the area. This exit is located several miles before the closure.