In the wake of ongoing traffic disruptions caused by a sinkhole on Route 80, navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are attempting to help motorists navigate the chaotic situation. The sinkhole, located in Wharton, New Jersey, has been causing delays since February 10 and is expected to affect traffic for at least two more months. As of March 19, 2025, drivers are warned to exercise caution while traveling near the affected area, particularly during peak travel times.
Both Google Maps and Waze have become essential tools for many drivers, offering real-time updates and suggestions for avoiding congested roads. However, using navigation apps blindly can lead to confusion, as some routes may not align with local advice. For instance, Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong and Broadway in Denville emerge as roughly equal distances from the sinkhole, but the best route can change based on the time of day.
On a Tuesday afternoon in mid-March, Google Maps displayed three different estimated routes from Ledgewood Avenue to Broadway, each taking about 29 minutes to navigate. The shortest of these was a 13.2-mile journey suggesting drivers take Route 46 eastbound directly into Denville. In contrast, the direct Route 80 route totaled approximately 14.5 miles when factoring in the recommended detour detailed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT).
Motorists could also consider an alternative route, taking Route 46 to Route 10, which measured 14.6 miles but smartly dodged the construction zone on Route 80. During the same afternoon, Waze provided a similar time estimate for its fastest suggested route, albeit with a slightly more complex path. Users were encouraged to steer clear of the sinkhole construction site by navigating via Route 46 to Berkshire Valley Road, then onto West Dewey Avenue, East Dewey Avenue, and finally briefly traversing Route 15 before getting back onto Route 80 just past the sinkhole.
While eastbound travelers on Route 80 must deal with the sinkhole, those heading west are experiencing relative ease. Both apps continue to recommend Route 80 from Denville to Netcong, with that journey taking about 15 minutes.
For drivers preferring to rely on DOT's recommendations, the agency has provided a list of alternate routes. In the wake of the sinkhole, drivers approaching from the east are advised to take exit 28, which is several miles before the closure. This detour allows access to either Route 10 or Route 46 to navigate safely around the affected area.
Outlined below are the DOT’s suggested detours for eastbound travel:
- Route 10 alternate route: Take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10 in Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, continue on Route 46, stay right to take Route 10, and then exit to I-287 northbound. Finally, follow the ramp to I-80 eastbound.
- Route 46 alternate route: Take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound, continue on right to stay on Route 46 and proceed left at the traffic signal to keep heading eastbound, or turn left onto Route 15 northbound to return to I-80.
As the sinkhole continues to affect travel dynamics on Route 80, it highlights the importance of utilizing navigation apps properly and heeding local detour recommendations. While the convenience of apps like Google Maps and Waze can assist in charting a course, staying informed about current traffic issues and relying on official recommendations can make a significant difference in the overall travel experience.
