I-80 Sinkhole Forces Full Closure, Lengthy Delays; Construction Continues on US 46, NJ 23

Commuters should prepare for detours and slowed traffic in Morris County area.

A major sinkhole on I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 (NJ 15) in Wharton has forced officials to completely shut down and detour traffic near that stretch of highway, transportation sources reported early this morning. The emergency construction project began at 7:35 a.m. after authorities discovered the damage threatening driver safety.

I-80: Sinkhole and Heavy Delays

Sinkhole at Exit 34: As of 7:35 a.m., a sizeable sinkhole has disrupted all eastbound lanes of I-80, compelling a detour until repairs are complete.

West of Exit 28 to Exit 34: Motorists are also seeing heavy traffic extending from Roxbury Township to just west of Exit 34. At 7:22 p.m., travel times ranged between 35 and 40 minutes.

Ongoing Construction on NJ 23 and US 46

NJ 23:

Southbound, between CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd in Butler and Alexander Ave in Pequannock Twp: Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.

Northbound, between Alexander Ave and CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd: Right lane closed until 4:00 p.m.

US 46:

Eastbound, from East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd to US 202/CR 511/Parsippany Blvd in Parsippany-Troy Hills: Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.

Westbound, from US 202/Parsippany Blvd to East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd: Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.

Both Directions, from East of NJ 53 in Denville to US 202/CR 511/Parsippany Blvd in Parsippany-Troy Hills: One right lane and shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.

Westbound, near CR 644/Main St in Denville Twp: Left shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.

Eastbound, near CR 644/Main St in Rockaway Twp: Left shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.

I-80 Westbound Lane Shift

Meanwhile, on I-80 westbound near Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Mount Arlington, construction for the Bridges over Howard Boulevard replacement project continues. All lanes are shifted, and the left lane remains altered until further notice.

Advisories for Drivers

With the full eastbound closure on I-80 at Wharton, drivers should expect major detours, especially during rush hour.

The sinkhole repairs and continuing construction on US 46 and NJ 23 will likely create significant backups in both directions, including in Denville, Parsippany, and Butler.

Consider local roads or other state routes when possible, and allow extra time if travel through these corridors is unavoidable.

Follow real-time traffic reports, official NJDOT advisories, and local law enforcement alerts for evolving conditions or re-openings.

Until these projects and emergency repairs are finished, motorists are urged to drive with caution and heed detour signs. Construction crews and highway officials are working around the clock to ensure normal traffic patterns are restored as quickly—and safely—as possible.