I-80 sinkhole causing traffic nightmare in New Jersey. How to avoid the highway in Wharton.
WHARTON, N.J. -- A sinkhole on I-80 in Wharton, New Jersey is causing a traffic nightmare after shutting down the highway early Thursday morning.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation said the highway will remain closed "until further notice."
The eastbound side near Exit 34 in Wharton was shut down at around 7:45 a.m., once DOT crews arrived at the huge sinkhole that had swallowed a portion of the right lane and shoulder.
Detour around I-80 sinkhole
New Jersey DOT is urging drivers to take alternate routes or follow the detour in place as crews work on the I-80 sinkhole.
DOT provided these directions:
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
I-80 eastbound Detour:
- Motorists 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
Wharton Police warned residents to expect more traffic on North Main Street while the repairs were being made.
I-80 west is not impacted.
Unclear what caused I-80 sinkhole
New Jersey DOT says it does not know what caused part of Interstate 80 to collapse into a sinkhole, but crews are "continuing to evaluate the situation, determine the extent of the damage, and stabilize the area in order to design a repair."
The sinkhole is 40-feet by 40-feet, DOT said.
Officials said a tragedy was likely avoided since the collapse happened when traffic was light, in the early morning hours on the day after Christmas.
No injuries were reported.
