Governor Declares State of Emergency in Morris County, Requests Federal Funding for I-80 Sinkhole Repairs

WHARTON, NJ –  Governor Phil Murphy (as of March 8, 2025) has officially declared a State of Emergency in Morris County following the discovery of multiple sinkholes on Interstate 80 eastbound near Exit 34. The declaration enables the state to apply for emergency relief funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to assist with the ongoing repairs and stabilization efforts.

During a site visit to the affected area, Governor Murphy was joined by New Jersey State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Fran O’Connor, state legislators, and local officials to assess the damage and discuss federal assistance for repairs.

“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,” said Governor Murphy. “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.”

Origins of the I-80 Sinkhole Crisis

The crisis began on December 26, 2024, when an abandoned mine beneath the eastbound shoulder of I-80 collapsed, creating a hazardous sinkhole in the area of Wharton, Morris County. The initial collapse forced the closure of eastbound lanes at Exit 34 for four days, severely disrupting transportation and commerce.

A second sinkhole was discovered on February 10, 2025, requiring additional stabilization measures and another lane closure. Since then, NJDOT crews have been working continuously to assess the underlying geophysical risks, including voids and loose soil formations that could lead to further collapses.

On February 26, 2025, a new and significant underground void was identified beneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound, prompting an extended closure of multiple lanes until the area could be deemed safe for travel.

“Safety is our primary concern – for the crews working around the clock, for the motorists that have been impacted, and for the residents and businesses in the neighboring communities. As the proactive drilling and grouting continues, we are narrowing in on the area that will require a more extensive repair,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said.

Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 383, signed on March 8, 2025, formally recognizes the severe infrastructure threat posed by the sinkholes and voids under I-80. The order:

• Authorizes NJDOT to submit an emergency relief funding request under 23 U.S. Code § 125, which provides federal assistance for highway repairs following natural disasters or external causes.
• Empowers the State Director of Emergency Management (Superintendent of State Police) to implement emergency response measures, including detours and traffic diversions.
• Allows NJDOT to waive or modify certain state regulations to expedite repairs and ensure public safety.
• Directs state and local law enforcement to enforce traffic flow restrictions and remove abandoned vehicles that may obstruct emergency operations.

Impact on Morris County and Surrounding Areas

The sinkhole-related lane closures have resulted in major traffic disruptions, with vehicles being rerouted off I-80 at Exit 34 or diverted to an alternate route at Exit 28. The increased congestion on local roads has placed additional strain on municipal and county infrastructure.

Local officials in Wharton and surrounding areas have expressed concerns about the long-term impact on businesses, emergency response times, and daily commuting patterns. The emergency funding request is seen as a crucial step toward securing the necessary resources for a permanent solution.

“I saw firsthand this morning the huge impact this highway closure is having on Morris County towns along I-80," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "This is a serious issue that we have to work together at all levels of government to fix and safety of our residents is our shared priority here. I will be advocating daily for all federal resources necessary to get I-80 restored to full capacity. As reconstruction efforts continue, I am also going to work with state and local officials to come up with transportation alternatives in the mean time. I think NJ Transit should offer residents in these towns some temporary incentives to use transit as an alternative for travel both east and westbound. I will be looking more into that this week. We need to help these communities get through this."

NJDOT crews have been working around the clock to stabilize the roadway, assess underground conditions, and mitigate further risks. Efforts include:

• Advanced geophysical scanning to detect additional voids beneath the roadway.
• Emergency stabilization techniques, such as grouting and soil reinforcement, to prevent further collapses.
• Coordination with geological experts to develop a long-term mitigation plan for the affected area.

Next Steps

With Executive Order No. 383 in effect, the state will now await a response from the Federal Highway Administration regarding the emergency relief request. If approved, federal funding could help accelerate repairs, minimize economic disruption, and improve road safety for thousands of daily commuters on I-80.

In the meantime, drivers are urged to follow detour signs, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on NJDOT advisories. The state will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on the repair timeline.

“On behalf of the Mayor and council, we would like to express our gratitude to those who are working on the structural repairs on Rt 80,” said Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden and Council President Robert Norton in a joint statement. “We know it's a monumental task that will take time and resources to ensure integrity and safety to all our citizens."

The I-80 sinkhole crisis in Morris County underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and emergency response coordination. Governor Murphy’s declaration of a State of Emergency and federal funding request reflect the state’s commitment to addressing the hazards swiftly and ensuring public safety. As NJDOT continues its stabilization work, Morris County residents and commuters will need to adapt to the temporary disruptions while long-term solutions are put in place.

For further updates, motorists can check the NJDOT website or use real-time traffic apps to navigate the affected area safely.

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