the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, a massive sinkhole on Route 80 East in Morris County has forced a complete closure, causing significant traffic disruptions. As repairs continue, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has identified 90 locations that require further assessment to mitigate potential instability or underground voids.
According to NJDOT spokesperson Steve Schapiro, proactive drilling and grouting operations are underway to stabilize the roadway and prevent future collapses.
Ongoing Repairs After Major Sinkhole Discovery
The latest sinkhole—measuring 11 feet by 11 feet—was discovered on February 10, just 75 feet from a previous sinkhole that shut down the highway for four days in December. That earlier collapse expanded to 40 feet wide and 40 feet deep before repairs were completed.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn expressed concerns over the frequency of these sinkholes, saying, “We were just here a couple of weeks ago. We don’t want it to be Whack-a-Mole.”
Schapiro confirmed that repairs will take several weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Why Is Route 80 Collapsing? Mines, Voids & Sinkholes Explained
NJDOT officials attribute the sinkholes to abandoned mineral mines beneath Morris County. These mines, once a key part of the region’s economy, were mostly closed before Route 80 was built in the 1960s.
Schapiro explained that while the recently detected voids are not currently sinkholes, they represent underground cavities that pose a risk of collapse.
NJDOT is working with the Department of Labor and has launched a Geotechnical Asset Management Program to monitor and predict future infrastructure issues.
Detours & Traffic Updates for Route 80 Eastbound
A modified detour is in place at Exit 34 in Wharton, with traffic rerouted to Route 15 North.
🚗 Alternative Routes for Route 80 Eastbound Travelers:
🔹 Route 46 Eastbound: Take Exit 28 and continue on Route 46 East or turn onto Route 15 North to rejoin Route 80.
🔹 Route 80 Eastbound Detour: Take Exit 34 to Route 15 North, then merge onto Route 15 South before re-entering Route 80 Eastbound.
To avoid major delays, drivers are encouraged to check live traffic updates at 511NJ.org.
Residents & Businesses Feeling the Impact
Local businesses and residents along the detour routes have expressed frustration over increased congestion and delays.
“People are really aggravated,” said Ioanna Hadjikonstantinou, an employee at Pop’s Bagels, located along the detour. “Even the locals are getting aggravated because they can’t get out of their driveways.”
Assemblywoman Dunn emphasized the urgent need for long-term infrastructure solutions, stating, “Safe, reliable infrastructure is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”
Stay Updated on Route 80 Sinkhole Repairs
For real-time traffic updates and detour information, visit 511NJ.org or follow NJDOT alerts.
🚧 Drivers, plan accordingly—Route 80 repairs may take weeks to complete!
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