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Both directions of I-80 at Exit 34 are fully closed and detoured due to sinkholes and urgent infrastructure repairs, contributing to major traffic delays across Morris County.
3-21-2025 3:22pm
Another Sinkhole on I-80, Pothole Repairs, Construction on NJ-15, & Heavy Traffic
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - Emergency construction has fully shut down both directions of Interstate 80 near Exit 34 (NJ Route 15) in Wharton as of Friday afternoon, following the appearance of a sinkhole on the eastbound side. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) confirmed that all lanes in both directions are closed and traffic is being detoured from the area.
As of 1:43 p.m., eastbound I-80 was closed due to emergency sinkhole-related repairs. A minute later, at 1:44 p.m., westbound I-80 at the same location was also closed for emergency construction. No timeline has been given for the completion of the repairs.
A new sinkhole, approximately 15-foot by 15-foot, opened on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in the median in the I-80 eastbound work zone. NJDOT closed and detoured all lanes on I-80 westbound at Exit 24B/Route 15 northbound. Crews have been working overnight to stabilize the area around the median sinkhole and will continue to work around the clock until repairs are complete and the highway reopened. Testing on I-80 westbound is ongoing to confirm the roadway's integrity and what steps are necessary to reopen I-80 in both directions.
“To ensure public safety, I-80 westbound was closed and detoured Wednesday after a new sinkhole opened up in the median in the I-80 eastbound work zone,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “We have stabilized the area and are testing I-80 westbound to determine what needs to be done to ensure we can safely reopen the roadway as soon as possible."
The road closures have caused significant traffic disruptions throughout the I-80 corridor. As of 2:58 p.m., heavy westbound traffic extended from west of Exit 37 (CR 513/Hibernia Avenue) in Denville Township to east of Exit 34 in Rockaway Township, with travel times estimated between 25 to 30 minutes. Eastbound I-80 delays were reported between Exit 30 (Howard Boulevard) in Roxbury Township and west of Exit 34 in Wharton, with travel times ranging from 10 to 15 minutes as of 2:56 p.m.
“As we assess the impacts of this new sinkhole on I-80, we will continue to work around the clock so that New Jersey commuters and families get their lives back on track,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Two weeks ago, I declared a State of Emergency in Morris County so the State could access federal funding to help us repair this damage. We understand the significant disruption that this has caused and remined everyone that the safety of New Jerseyans continues to be our top priority.”
NJ Route 15, which intersects with I-80 at Exit 34, is also experiencing congestion. Delays on NJ 15 northbound from I-80 in Rockaway Township to CR 699/Berkshire Valley Road in Jefferson Township were reported earlier in the day with travel times of 5 to 10 minutes. Additionally, southbound construction on NJ 15 between Taylor Road and Berkshire Valley Road has closed the right lane through 3:59 p.m.
This incident adds to a series of ongoing infrastructure efforts in the region. Pothole repairs on I-287 northbound between Exit 52 (NJ 23) in Pequannock Township and Exit 57 (Skyline Drive) in Wanaque have been completed with all lanes remaining open. Meanwhile, a separate bridge replacement project at I-80 westbound Exit 30 in Mount Arlington has shifted the left lane due to ongoing work, which remains in effect until further notice.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area around Exit 34 on I-80 and seek alternate routes. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the timeline for repairs and traffic restoration.
