The NJDOT say this section I-80 eastbound in Wharton should be open by 9 o’clock this morning, depending on the weather. But these emergency sinkhole repairs because of an abandoned mineshaft look pretty close to complete!
screen shot CBS NEWS
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, after days of round-the-clock work through challenging weather conditions, I-80 eastbound in Wharton, Morris County, is expected to reopen on Monday, December 30, as emergency sinkhole repairs near completion. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has confirmed that paving, restriping, and guiderail installation are the final steps before the roadway is deemed safe for travel.
Progress on Sinkhole Repairs
NJDOT crews have been working tirelessly to address a 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole that disrupted traffic near milepost 34. Repairs included:
- Excavating and stabilizing the sinkhole.
- Installing a wire mesh, stone aggregate, and concrete layer for a solid foundation.
- Adding compacted fill and reconstructing several layers of asphalt to rebuild the roadway.
- Reconstructing the surrounding slope to ensure long-term stability.
Despite inclement weather during the holiday weekend, significant progress has been made. NJDOT plans to provide an update on Monday with a specific reopening time, assuming no unexpected issues arise during the final phases of repair.
Alternate Routes and Detours
While repairs are completed, I-80 eastbound remains closed, and motorists are urged to use alternate routes or follow designated detours:
Alternate Route via Route 46 Eastbound:
- Exit I-80 eastbound at Exit 28 to Route 46 eastbound.
- Continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- At the traffic signal, turn left to stay on Route 46 eastbound.
- To return to I-80, turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover or continue for about 12 miles to merge onto I-80 eastbound.
Detour via Route 15:
- Exit I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta.
- Follow signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta.
- Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to merge onto Route 15 southbound toward I-80/Dover.
- Merge back onto I-80 eastbound.
Travel Advisory
Motorists should anticipate delays and increased traffic on alternate routes. Allow extra travel time and stay updated via NJDOT’s website and social media channels for real-time announcements.
Looking Ahead
If all work proceeds as planned, I-80 eastbound will reopen on Monday, December 30. This marks the culmination of an intensive repair effort to restore safe travel for thousands of drivers.
Stay tuned for NJDOT’s official update and final confirmation of the reopening timeline. For more information, visit the NJDOT website or follow NJDOT on social media.
