'Significant' Cavity Found Under I-80 In Morris County: NJDOT

NEW JERSEY — Road crews have extended repairs to Interstate 80 in Morris County after officials said a "significant" void was found beneath the eastbound lanes. The void is located near a sinkhole that opened in the center lane of I-80 earlier this month.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the void — an empty space or cavity that exists underground — was discovered under the center lane near Exit 34 as road crews worked to repair the initial sinkhole that opened before the morning commute on Feb. 10.

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.

NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said it will take "some time" to design a repair that will ensure the long-term integrity and safety of the roadway. There were no immediate concerns about the stability of I-80 westbound, she said.

"We understand the importance of this highway and the disruption this emergency closure has caused on travelers and the local community," O'Connor said. "The department, in coordination with our local partners, are exploring options on how to improve traffic flow in the area during construction."

While crews work to complete repairs, all I-80 eastbound traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34 and the following detour remains in place until further notice:

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 left two 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