I-80 Sinkhole Repairs: New Timeline Released For Highway To Reopen

NEW JERSEY — As repair work continues to fix several sinkholes that have been affecting traffic on Route 80 in Morris County, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has released a timeline for the highway to fully reopen.

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 near Exit 34 in Wharton triggered the first sinkhole.

Now, it appears there is an end in sight to all the detours and delays. According to NJDOT's latest timeline: Two westbound lanes are scheduled to open by May 4, and two eastbound lanes are scheduled to open by May 18. All lanes are projected to be back open by June 25.

Republican Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, who represents a number of Morris County towns, shared this update with residents on Thursday.

"I know how frustrating this situation has been for residents and commuters, and I want to thank you for your continued patience," she said.

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. Officials had hoped to open two westbound lanes last week, but testing uncovered another void beneath the left lane.

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

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.