Traffic Emergency: I-80 sinkhole Closes Lanes, Downed Wires on US46, Widespread Construction

Morris County drivers face significant closures, lane shifts, and detours due to a sinkhole, storm damage, and roadwork.

Motorists across northern New Jersey should plan for extra travel time and potential delays as a sinkhole has forced the shutdown of I-80 eastbound in Wharton, downed wires have disrupted a major stretch of US 46 in Mine Hill, and various construction projects continue on key routes, including NJ 23, I-287, and NJ 124. Below is a detailed overview of each incident and closure:

Downed Wires on US 46

Location: US 46, both directions, between CR 669/Canfield Ave and CR 640/Fairview Ave in Mine Hill Township

Time/Status: 11:31 a.m. report

Impact: All lanes closed and detoured with 10-15 minute delays

Advice: Seek alternate routes to avoid significant slowdowns. Follow posted detours.

I-80 Emergency Sinkhole Repairs

Location: I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 (NJ 15, Wharton)

Time/Status: As of 7:12 a.m., all lanes closed and detoured

Possible Timeline: Unknown; crews are stabilizing the roadway, so detours remain in effect until further notice

Alternate Routes: Drivers may use US 46, NJ 10, or local roads when feasible to reach destinations.

Major Construction Hotspots

NJ 23

• Southbound:
  • South of CR 513/Green Rd, Jefferson Twp, to Paterson Hamburg Tpke, West Milford Twp
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Reported 11:00 a.m.)
  • Between North of CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd, Butler, and North of Alexander Ave, Pequannock Twp
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)
• Northbound:
  • Between Alexander Ave, Pequannock, and CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd, Butler
    • Right lane closed until 5:00 p.m. (Reported 7:00 a.m.)
  • Southbound near CR 511/Boonton Ave, Butler
    • Right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m. (Reported 7:00 a.m.)

I-80 (Additional Construction)

• Eastbound:
  • Between Exit 48 (Hook Mountain Rd) and East of Exit 47A (I-280), Montville Twp
    • Right shoulder closed until 2:30 p.m. (Reported 9:27 a.m.)
• Westbound:
  • Exit 30 (Howard Blvd), Mount Arlington
    • All lanes shifted for bridge replacement, left lane shift in effect until further notice (Posted 7:12 a.m.)

I-287

• Northbound:
  • Between North of Exit 36 (CR 510/Morris Ave, Morristown) and North of Exit 37 (NJ 24, Hanover Twp)
    • Left lane closed until 2:59 p.m. (Posted 9:59 a.m.)
• Southbound:
  • Near Exit 37 (NJ 24, Hanover Twp)
    • Right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

US 46

• Westbound:
  • Vicinity of Naughright Rd, Mount Olive Twp
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)
  • Between US 202/Parsippany Blvd and East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd, Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)
  • 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.)
  • In the vicinity of I-80 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp
    • Right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m. (Earlier advisories remain in effect)
• Eastbound:
  • Vicinity of CR 644/Main St, Rockaway Twp
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.
  • From East of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd to US 202/Parsippany Blvd, Parsippany-Troy Hills
    • Right lane closed until 3:00 p.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.

NJ 53

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

NJ 124

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

Travel Advice

1. Plan Extra Time: Detours and lane closures, especially on I-80 and US 46, could result in prolonged commutes during morning and evening rush hours.
2. Seek Alternate Routes: Check traffic apps or local advisories to bypass heavily impacted roads, particularly while I-80 eastbound remains fully shut at Wharton.
3. Heed Road Signs and Crews: Observe reduced speed limits and caution in work zones, especially with abrupt merges and lane shifts.
4. Stay Updated: Real-time alerts from NJDOT, radio broadcasts, and regional traffic services can help drivers respond to dynamic conditions or any newly opened lanes.

Drivers are reminded that while these maintenance and emergency repair operations are inconvenient, they are vital to safety and long-term infrastructure improvements. Officials urge patience, mindful driving, and cooperation with detours as crews work to stabilize critical roadways and enhance travel for all.