I-80 closed at scene of previous sinkhole in New Jersey
WHARTON, N.J. -- Interstate 80 was closed in Wharton, New Jersey on Monday as crews returned to the scene of a previous sinkhole on the highway.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation said a depression was seen in the center eastbound lane around 6:45 a.m. Monday, so the east side was closed out of an abundance of caution. The DOT said the roadway will remain closed until further notice.
A massive 40-foot sinkhole opened up on that stretch of I-80 in late December, and the eastbound lanes were closed for nearly four days.
DOT officials said that sinkhole was caused by an abandoned mineshaft that collapsed underneath the highway. A map from the state's Department of Environmental Protection shows hundreds of abandoned mines across the state, including several in the Wharton area.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco said he was briefed at the scene Monday by the transportation commissioner.
"It's just a little minor depression, actually. If you didn't ... if it wasn't marked, you might not even see it," Bucco said.
Asked if the weather might have had something to do with the depression forming, Bucco said, "They do think that it had something to do with the water table."
He said the hope is to get the work done before the next storm moves through.
I-80 detour around sinkhole investigation
All eastbound lanes are closed at Exit 34. Drivers should use Route 46 or Route 10 as an alternative.
During the morning rush, traffic was backed up for eight miles to Exit 27.
"It was standstill traffic. It's like the worst traffic I have ever been in in my life," said Mia Onufrak of Roxbury. "It's usually less than a 15-minute commute. It took me two ... like over two hours to get to work."
Route 46 eastbound alternative:
- Drivers 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
I-80 eastbound detour:
- Drivers on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
- Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
- Merge onto Route 15 southbound
- Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound
