WHARTON, New Jersey — A massive sinkhole has closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Wharton, New Jersey, leading to significant traffic disruptions during the morning rush hour. The sinkhole, reported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) around 7:45 a.m. on December 28, measures approximately 40 feet by 40 feet and has resulted in emergency detours for motorists.
The incident occurred just past Exit 34, where the highway shoulder collapsed, forcing authorities to shut down all eastbound traffic on I-80. Reports indicate the gaping hole is large enough to envelop several cars and has created extensive traffic backups as crews mobilized to assess and address the situation.
No injuries have been reported due to the sinkhole, which situated itself on the highway shoulder likely saved many drivers from potential disaster, occurring during relatively light traffic following the holiday season. Steve Schapiro, spokesperson for the NJDOT, stated, "Motorists should expect delays or plan an alternate route," emphasizing the importance of staying informed as remains of the situation are being evaluated.
Traffic diverted through town has seen significant increases, and NJDOT has urged drivers to avoid the congested Route 8 where possible. Residents are advised about the detours, which include taking Route 46 eastbound from I-80 before reaching the closure area. Multiple routes have been laid out to help mitigate the impact on travelers stuck on this major transportation artery connecting northern New Jersey with Pennsylvania.
The detour direction includes:
- Motorists on I-80 eastbound are directed to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound.
- Then continue to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong.
- Drivers must stay on Route 46 and follow signs to turn left onto Route 15 northbound, which leads them back to I-80.
- Alternatively, continue on Route 46 for about 12 miles until they reach I-80 eastbound.
For those already on the highway, the NJDOT has set up additional detour options. Drivers should take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta and follow signs to stay right, which will lead toward downtown Wharton and reconnect points to I-80 and Route 15.
The closure has not affected I-80 westbound traffic, which remains open. Despite the notoriety of the sinkhole causing disruptions, officials remain hopeful the heavier traffic demands are minimized as timely repairs commence. "The closure will remain until the situation is evaluated and stabilized," NJDOT confirmed.
While the cause of the sinkhole has not been determined, the NJDOT continues to investigate the situation carefully. Plans for repairs and stabilizing the area are already underway, but the timing for the reopening of the eastbound lanes remains uncertain. Factors including weather conditions could delay the repair timeline.
Images shared by commuters displayed the extensive damage: the section of the highway nearest to the guard rail has dramatically sunk, causing significant safety concerns alongside the hazard of increased local traffic as detours redirect vehicles from I-80.
People have taken to social media to express frustrations about the sinkhole and the extended delays on formerly swift roads. Many have already considered the alternative routes as NJDOT broadcasts updates on the situation through their digital platforms.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor real-time updates on traffic conditions through the NJDOT's traffic information website, 511nj.org, and follow their social media channels for the latest developments. With the holiday season resulting in temporarily lighter traffic patterns, the hope is to have the repairs completed efficiently and restore normalcy for commuters traversing this busy interstate.
Ensuring public safety on the highways remains the number one priority for the NJDOT, and comprehensive evaluations will guide future preventative measures. Ongoing assessments and effective communications remain key as New Jersey addresses its infrastructure needs and minimizes the risk of such incidents happening again.