Update on I-80 Sinkhole Repairs in Morris County; Westbound Closure Extended

WHARTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced updated timelines for permanent repairs on Interstate 80 in Morris County, as crews continue emergency restoration work following earlier structural concerns that led to lane closures in both directions.

While progress continues on long-term repairs to I-80 eastbound in Wharton, NJDOT reports that I-80 westbound will remain closed at Exit 34B after inspections revealed a substantial void beneath the left lane. The closure affects all westbound lanes, which will remain shut until repairs can be completed.

When the sinkhole developed in February, the Department immediately began a series of geotechnical tests on I-80 eastbound and westbound to gain an understanding of subsurface conditions.

According to NJDOT, if construction continues as scheduled:

• Two eastbound lanes are expected to reopen in approximately seven weeks, with full eastbound capacity restored shortly thereafter.

• Final design plans for the westbound repairs are expected to be completed next week, with construction starting soon after. Two westbound lanes may reopen within five weeks, followed by the remaining lanes.

To accelerate progress, two separate construction crews will operate around the clock on both eastbound and westbound sections. The effort is part of an intensive 24/7 operation to reopen the critical corridor as soon as safely possible.

A drilling and grouting operation is ongoing to stabilize I-80 eastbound and to determine the area in which more extensive repairs are needed.

“As we continue to work 24/7 to repair I-80, unfortunately, testing revealed another significant void in the left lane of I-80 westbound,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “As we have said since these issues began, safety is our top priority and we must ensure that the roadway is safe for motorists before we can reopen. I am confident in the plan Commissioner Fran O’Connor and his team have put together to get this critical roadway repaired and reopened.”

In response to the extended disruption, Governor Phil Murphy previously declared a State of Emergency in Morris County to support a federal request for emergency relief funding. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT is offering a 50% discount on roundtrip fares for travelers impacted by the I-80 closures. The discount will remain in effect throughout the duration of the highway repairs.

The path to completing emergency repairs and reopening I-80 eastbound has several phases. The timing for each phase has not yet been determined. However, the entire repair is expected to take approximately two months

“The good news is the permanent long-term repair on I-80 eastbound is progressing. If no other problems arise, we expect to reopen at least two lanes in the eastbound direction by mid-May,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Unfortunately, the discovery of another significant void requires I-80 westbound to remain closed to ensure public safety. If repairs continue as planned, two westbound lanes should reopen in early May."

“Today’s update from the NJDOT provided key insights into the I-80 situation. The westbound lanes remain closed, but the NJDOT is advancing a permanent solution on both sides, aiming for completion of the westbound side in 5 weeks and 7 weeks on the east bound side. Obviously, this is subject to change as the repairs continue,” Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) said. “Additionally, I met with the NJEDA and, along with my colleagues in the 25th Legislative District, are working to develop a grant program for businesses affected by the I-80 shutdown. I stressed that this program should mirror COVID-19 relief, which the NJEDA is responsive to and we expect more details by the middle of next week. The NJEDA will be in Wharton on Monday to further assist the business community."

I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 in Wharton, Morris County on Monday

To support public awareness and minimize travel disruption, NJDOT has launched an I-80 project web page with information on repair progress, detour routes, and alternate travel options. Real-time traffic updates and current travel times on detour and alternate routes are available at www.511NJ.org.

Motorists are advised to consult the NJDOT traffic website regularly for updates on construction progress and route advisories.

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