A new sinkhole, measuring 4.5 meters (15 feet) in width and depth, has once again disrupted traffic on Interstate I-80 near Wharton, New Jersey. This stretch of road, plagued by subsidence issues for months, now faces another full lane closure, causing miles-long traffic jams and forcing drivers to detour via Route 15 northbound.
According to NBC News, the collapse occurred during drilling operations in the highway median, prompting authorities to completely shut down both directions as a precaution. “We are in the process of assessing the situation,” stated a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), without providing a timeline for reopening the road.
An Underground Problem with No Clear Solution
The cause of these sinkholes appears to be linked to abandoned mines beneath the roadway. State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn confirmed to NBC News that initial studies identified around 90 underground cavities in the affected section, but repairs have since uncovered nearly twice as many. “It’s like Swiss cheese; we have to fill those holes,” she explained.
This crisis is not new. Last December, a sinkhole the size of a four-story building formed in the same area after another mine collapsed. In March, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in Morris County to expedite federal funding for repairs, but the problems persist, and stabilization work continues.
Just days ago, authorities attempted to ease congestion by reopening an eastbound lane via a temporary detour on the westbound side. However, the new sinkhole has put those plans on hold. “If I can assure you of anything, it’s that we want to do this job correctly and safely,” Dunn emphasized, acknowledging the inconvenience but prioritizing safety over speed.
Community Impact and Fears of Further Delays
The prolonged closure is not only affecting drivers but also local businesses. Shop owners in the area told News12 that detours and heavy traffic are severely impacting their daily operations.
Meanwhile, NJDOT crews continue working on repairs, though there is no clear timeline for a full reopening. Officials have stated that there are no immediate concerns regarding the stability of the westbound lanes, but the situation remains under constant monitoring.
The latest closure on I-80 once again highlights the vulnerability of roadway infrastructure in areas with a history of mining activity. Near Exit 34, engineers have detected a “significant void” beneath the eastbound lanes, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
As traffic remains at a standstill and uncertainty looms over the completion of repairs, frustration among drivers and local residents is reaching a breaking point. However, Dunn sought to reassure the community: “It’s a major inconvenience, but I’m relieved to know that this project is prioritizing safety—and that, so far, no one has been injured.”
