Interstate 80 in New Jersey is set to be partially reopened after a series of sinkholes forced long-term closures and major disruptions.
Newly released footage obtained by ABC News captures the aftermath of the first and largest sinkhole in Wharton, as the New Jersey Department of Transportation confirmed that two eastbound lanes will reopen this week.
Newsweek has contacted the New Jersey police department via email for comment.
Why It Matters
I-80 is a crucial artery for local and long-distance traffic between the New York metropolitan area, all the way through to the Midwest, and is one of the longest interstate highways in the U.S.
Prolonged closures have caused widespread congestion on detour routes through Morris County towns, upended commutes, affected the movement of goods, and strained local businesses.
What To Know
There has been a succession of sinkholes on the interstate, beginning with a 40-by-40-foot collapse in December, followed by smaller 11-by-11 foot collapse 75 feet away in February and another 15-by-15 foot sinkhole opened up in March.
The sinkholes closed and detoured a major section of I-80, impacting thousands of commuters, local businesses, and interstate travel for months.
Body-cam footage obtained by ABC News via a records request shows two startled drivers assessing the scene moments after the massive sinkhole opened along I-80’s eastbound lanes in Wharton.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for Morris County on March 8, allowing the state to access federal highway funds for repairs and ongoing monitoring.
Mineshafts under the roadway were believed to be a possible reason for the sinkholes by officials, and Governor Murphy previously said 400 mineshafts were being investigated in the region, according to CBS News.
Crews worked around the clock to stabilize and rebuild the affected sections, including pouring concrete slabs, laying stone and asphalt, and installing new monitoring systems.
Now, two I-80 eastbound lanes are set to open this week, while the two I-80 westbound lanes originally scheduled to open later this month will now open in June.
Delays on the westbound lanes were due to heavy rain and weather conditions, the state Department of Transport said.
What People Are Saying
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said when declaring a state of emergency on March 8: “For several weeks now, the residents of Wharton and commuters all across New Jersey, have endured major delays and disruptions as a result of the sinkholes that have opened up here on I-80. By declaring a State of Emergency in Morris County, we can take the first step toward accessing federal funding to help us to repair this damage. While there is no immediate danger to the public, we will continue to do everything we can to help New Jersey commuters and families can get their lives back on track.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said in March: “The closure of Interstate 80 has created significant challenges for motorists, local residents, and first responders alike, but the public’s safety remains our top priority. We recognize the tireless efforts of the New Jersey Department of Transportation and their dedicated crews as they work around the clock to make the necessary repairs and reopen this critical roadway as soon as possible. We thank Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership and commitment to securing the resources needed to expedite this project. The New Jersey State Police will continue to support our state and local partners to ensure the safety and efficiency of travel throughout the region.”
The New Jersey Department of Transport said on May 16: “The permanent long-term repair of I-80 in both directions is progressing with two lanes on I-80 eastbound expected to reopen next week in Wharton, Morris County. Two lanes on I-80 westbound are scheduled to open by the end of May, and all lanes in both directions are on schedule to reopen by June 25.”
It added: “The heavy rains this week and last week have affected the schedule as some of the work is weather dependent and cannot be done in the rain. There are two separate crews working concurrently – one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side – to expedite repairs. Crews will continue working 24 hours a day until repairs are completed and the highway reopened. NJDOT will continue to look for any avenues to pick up time on both sides, if possible.”
What Happens Next
The state Department of Transport aims to restore full service to all I-80 lanes through Wharton by June 25, pending weather and remaining construction milestones. Officials urged drivers to monitor 511NJ.org and its project page for ongoing travel updates.
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