the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, after months of delays, detours, and traffic headaches, drivers and local businesses near I-80 in Wharton are finally getting a break. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that two eastbound lanes of I-80 are expected to reopen Wednesday night, weather permitting. The reopening comes after extensive closures caused by multiple sinkholes, which began forming over the winter.
What Happened on I-80?
The saga began in December, when the first massive sinkhole, roughly the size of a four-story building, appeared near Exit 34. That initial collapse took four days to repair, but it was only the beginning.
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In February, a second sinkhole forced the closure of eastbound lanes.
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By March, a third 15×15-foot crater emerged, leading to the closure of all lanes near the exit.
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Originally, engineers identified around 90 voids under the roadway. That number has now doubled, suggesting the underground structure is highly unstable.
Authorities suspect abandoned underground mines may be to blame for the series of collapses, though investigations are ongoing.
What’s Reopening and When?
NJDOT confirmed:
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Two eastbound lanes are set to reopen by Wednesday night.
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Two westbound lanes are expected to reopen by the end of May.
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Full lane restoration is on schedule for June 25, assuming favorable conditions.
The announcement came after paving work was completed and crews ensured that travel lanes were stable enough for reopening.
Impact on Local Businesses and Commuters
The prolonged closures have heavily impacted local businesses and commuter traffic in Morris County, causing backups, delays, and reduced customer foot traffic. With reopening on the horizon, the return of normal traffic flow could bring much-needed relief to the area’s economy.
“We know this has been a difficult few months for drivers and business owners,” a DOT spokesperson said. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we worked to ensure the road’s long-term safety.”
Key Takeaways:
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Two I-80 eastbound lanes in Wharton are set to reopen Wednesday night.
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The closures stem from multiple sinkholes, first appearing in December.
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Full reopening of all lanes is expected by June 25, 2025.
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Authorities suspect abandoned mines may be the cause of repeated collapses.
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Local businesses and drivers are expected to benefit from resumed traffic flow.
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