I-80 in Morris County expected to remain closed for weeks as sinkhole repairs continue, NJDOT says
A section of I-80 in Morris County is expected to remain closed for several weeks due to emergency sinkhole repairs, the New Jersey Department of Transportation says.
Eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed at Exit 34 in Wharton on Feb. 10 after a depression was observed in the center lane, and later that night, a sinkhole opened up while crews were conducting tests.
NJDOT say that sinkhole was stabilized the next day, but they have been conducting additional testing. Earlier this week, crews detected another significant void and filled it with grout, NJDOT says.
"The Department will continue its assessment, while developing an appropriate design and repair. Early indications are that the repair will take a minimum of several weeks," the department said in a statement.
The impacted section of roadway is 75 feet away from a spot where another sinkhole had opened up in December.
I-80 eastbound Exit 34 detour in place until further notice
The NJDOT says the following detour will be in place until further notice:
- 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
I-80 westbound closing overnight Tuesday for additional testing
Due to the ongoing testing, I-80 westbound will be closed at Exit 34B in Wharton from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The following detour will be in place for I-80 westbound during the closure:
- 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 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
For I-80 eastbound, the follow detour will be posted:
- Motorists on I-80 eastbound will be directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- Turn left following signs for Wharton
- Turn left onto East Dewey Avenue/CR 642 eastbound
- Turn left onto Route 15 northbound
- Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound
