I-80 Sinkhole Prompts Full Eastbound Closure, Long-Term Construction Hits Multiple Roadways

Commuters in Morris County face widespread detours and lane restrictions; expect delays and watch for work-zone signs.

A major sinkhole on I-80 eastbound near Exit 34 in Wharton has forced authorities to close all eastbound lanes, redirecting traffic through detours, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reported this morning. Meanwhile, long-standing construction and lane shifts on NJ 23, US 46, I-80, NJ 124, and NJ 53 continue to snarl traffic throughout Morris County. Here’s the full rundown:

Emergency Construction and Sinkhole on I-80

I-80 Eastbound at Exit 34 (NJ 15), Wharton: All lanes closed and detoured as of 7:41 a.m. due to a sinkhole. No estimated reopening time; motorists should follow posted detour routes.

Key Construction Hotspots

NJ 23:

Southbound: From South of CR 513/Green Rd in Jefferson Twp to Paterson Hamburg Tpke in West Milford Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 11:00 a.m.)

Southbound: Between North of CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd in Butler and North of Alexander Ave in Pequannock Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Northbound: Between Alexander Ave in Pequannock Twp and CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd in Butler. Right lane closed until 5:00 p.m. (Posted 7:00 a.m.)

I-80:

Eastbound: Between Exit 48 (Hook Mountain Rd) and East of Exit 47A (I-280) in Montville Twp. Right shoulder closed until 2:30 p.m. (Posted 9:27 a.m.)

Westbound: Near Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Mount Arlington, all lanes shifted until further notice for bridge replacement (Posted 7:41 a.m.).

Various other segments of I-80 may have right shoulders closed for part of the day (check local advisories).

US 46:

Westbound: From West of I-287 to East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd in Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Westbound: Between East of CR 644/Main St in Denville Twp and East of CR 513/West Main St in Rockaway Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Eastbound: In vicinity of CR 644/Main St in Rockaway Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Eastbound: From East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd to US 202/CR 511/Parsippany Blvd in Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp. Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Both Directions: From East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd to US 202/Parsippany Blvd. One right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Other spots: Shoulder closures in Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, and Rockaway. Times vary.

NJ 53:

Both Directions: From South of Park Rd in Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp to I-80 in Denville Twp. Right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

NJ 124:

Eastbound: From Waverly Pl/CR 608 in Madison to CR 649/John F. Kennedy Pkwy in Summit. One right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 7:00 a.m.)

Traffic Tips and Alternate Routes

Detours: With I-80 eastbound fully shut near Wharton, drivers are encouraged to use US 46 or NJ 10 as possible alternates, though those routes also face partial closures.
Plan for Delays: Heavily traveled corridors across Morris County have multiple lane and shoulder closures, so travelers should allow extra time or consider modifying commuting schedules.
Drive Safe in Work Zones: Maintain slower speeds, heed detour signs, and watch for construction equipment and personnel.
Stay Updated: Use local radio, traffic apps, and the NJDOT website or social media channels for the latest on closures and anticipated reopening times.

These combined closures—some due to routine maintenance, others to critical repairs like the I-80 sinkhole—mean significant congestion in Morris County throughout the day. Officials urge patience and caution, reminding all motorists that these measures ultimately enhance roadway safety and infrastructure reliability over the long term.