NJDOT Considers Crossover Lane to Ease Route 80 Traffic Amid Sinkhole Repairs

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wharton NJ, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is exploring a potential crossover lane to restore two-way traffic on Route 80 after a massive sinkhole forced the closure of all eastbound lanes in Wharton on February 10, 2025.

Sinkhole Causes Major Disruptions on Route 80

🔹 Closure: Eastbound lanes shut down since Feb. 10
🔹 Cause: Discovery of 90 underground voids requiring repair
🔹 Estimated Repair Time: Several weeks before full reopening
🔹 Impact: Severe traffic congestion, local road strain, and emergency response delays

NJDOT officials confirmed the presence of a significant void under the sinkhole, prompting the need for extensive repairs. Given the prolonged timeline, local leaders are urging the department to implement a temporary crossover lane to reduce congestion.

Proposed Solution: Crossover Lane for Two-Way Traffic

Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris and other local officials suggested using part of Route 80 West to accommodate eastbound traffic.

🚗 Proposed Plan:
✅ Create a temporary crossover lane on Route 80 West
✅ Use alternating lanes: Two eastbound lanes in the morning, two westbound lanes in the afternoon
✅ Minimize strain on local roads and emergency services

Mayor Morris emphasized the urgency of the solution:
“They can’t leave the road like this for months. Local streets can’t handle it, and ambulances need reliable routes.”

NJDOT’s Response & Next Steps

While NJDOT has not confirmed the crossover lane plan, spokesperson Steve Schapiro stated that the department is exploring all options to restore mobility.

State Sen. Anthony Bucco also pushed for alternative solutions, urging NJDOT to prioritize keeping traffic off local roads. NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor confirmed that all possibilities are being considered.

Ongoing Repairs & Traffic Updates

➡ Traffic Patterns: Eastbound closures causing morning delays, westbound backups in the afternoon
➡ Periodic Westbound Closures: NJDOT conducting tests to ensure road stability
➡ Cause of Sinkhole: Linked to 18th-century mineral mines beneath the roadway
➡ Nearby Construction: $65 million bridge replacement project near Exit 30 adding to congestion

NJDOT reassured the public that Route 80 West remains stable, but the eastbound repairs will be extensive.

“It’s crucial we make lasting repairs now, so we don’t face this issue again in the near future,” O’Connor stated.

When Will Route 80 Reopen?

While no official reopening date has been announced, NJDOT estimates a minimum of several weeks for repairs. In the meantime, drivers should expect detours and delays.

🚦 Stay Updated:

🔹 Follow NJDOT announcements for traffic alerts
🔹 Plan alternate routes to avoid congestion
🔹 Monitor local detour updates

⚠ Stay tuned for more updates as NJDOT finalizes its repair strategy and potential crossover lane implementation.

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