Route 80 Westbound Closed Until Further Notice, NJDOT Advises

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Route 80 westbound will remain closed and detoured at Exit 34B in Wharton until further notice.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) released a new website specifically for updates on Route 80.

"As we assess the impacts of this new sinkhole on I-80, we will continue to work around the clock so that New Jersey commuters and families get their lives back on track,” said Governor Phil Murphy in a statement on Friday. “Two weeks ago, I declared a State of Emergency in Morris County so the State could access federal funding to help us repair this damage. We understand the significant disruption that this has caused and remind everyone that the safety of New Jerseyans continues to be our top priority.”

NJDOT is urging motorists to stay on the designated detour and alternate routes for now and to follow all posted signs and regulations.

"Due to the significant impact of the closures, GPS and other map services may reroute traffic onto local roads that are not designed to handle commercial vehicles or increased traffic volume," NJDOT advised in a press release Friday. "This is particularly important for trucks as there are low bridges and weight restrictions on many roads in the area."

While NJDOT detours are diverting traffic to Routes 46 and 10, motorists are growing increasingly frustrated over the worsening traffic delays.

On Thursday, NJDOT posted an "International Day of Happiness" image on their Facebook page, urging followers to "drive safe, drive happy." This prompted users to quickly reply with scathing remarks about Route 80 and the worsening travel conditions.

"Woooooowwwww New Jersey Department of Transportation that's a little out of touch," commented Facebook user Samantha Waldron. "Declare a STATE OF EMERGENCY for Route 80 for the sinkholes that closed BOTH SIDES. North Jersey is SUFFERING."

For now, NJDOT urges motorists to continue using the detours and alternate routes.

“We have stabilized the area and are testing I-80 westbound to determine what needs to be done to ensure we can safely reopen the roadway as soon as possible," said NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor.

I-80 westbound Exit 34B Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 westbound will be directed to take Exit 34B to Route 15 north/Jefferson/Sparta
• Keep left on Route 15 northbound
• Use the left two left lanes at Pondview Drive to make a U-turn onto Route 15 southbound
• Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 westbound

I-80 eastbound Exit 34 Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
• At the end of the ramp, stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta/Picatinny Arsenal
• Stay in the right lane on North Main Street following signs for Route 15 North/Jefferson/Sparta
• Bear right toward Route 15 northbound/Picatinny Arsenal
• At the traffic signal, merge onto Route 15 northbound
• Stay left, following signs for Pondview Drive/U and Left Turns
• Using both lanes, make a U-turn at the Pondview Drive traffic signal and merge onto Route 15 southbound
• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound

Traffic is advised to use Exit 28 to take Route 10 eastbound or Route 46 eastbound as an alternate route to avoid the area.

This exit is several miles before the closure.

Route 10 eastbound Alternate Route:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
• Continue on Route 46 eastbound

• Stay right to take Route 10 eastbound
• Take the exit to I-287 northbound
• Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound

Route 46 eastbound Alternate Route:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
• Continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Stay in the two left lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover, back to I-80

Or:

• Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound