Major Morris County Traffic Alerts: Sinkhole on I-80, Multiple Construction Zones

Drivers face detours and partial closures on US 46, NJ 10, NJ 23, and NJ 124.

Motorists in northern New Jersey should prepare for potential slowdowns and detours due to a sinkhole that has shut down I-80 eastbound in Wharton, as well as multiple construction projects along US 46, NJ 10, NJ 23, and NJ 124. Below is a comprehensive update on the most significant impacts:

I-80 Eastbound Sinkhole Closure

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

Impact: All lanes closed and detoured. Road crews are working on emergency repairs to stabilize the roadway.

Alternate Routes: Consider using US 46 or NJ 10 as possible detours, or follow posted signs in the area.

Major Highway Construction Zones

US 46

Eastbound: 

• Near West of CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd, Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp: Right lane closed until 2:30 p.m. (Posted 10:00 a.m.).
• Vicinity of CR 644/Main St, Rockaway Twp: Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

Westbound:

• Vicinity of CR 644/Main St, Denville Twp: Right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)
• East of Smithtown Rd, Mount Olive Twp: One right lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 8:00 a.m.)

NJ 10

Eastbound:

• East of Mount Pleasant Tpke, Denville Twp: One left lane closed until 3:00 p.m. (Posted 9:00 a.m.)

NJ 23

Northbound:

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

NJ 124

Eastbound:

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

I-80 Westbound (Bridge Replacement)

• Exit 30 – Howard Blvd, Mount Arlington: All lanes shifted due to Bridges over Howard Boulevard replacement. Left lane shift remains in effect until further notice (Posted 5:35 a.m.).

Travel Advice

1. Expect Delays: With I-80 eastbound completely shut at Wharton and multiple lanes restricted on US 46, NJ 10, and NJ 23, significant congestion is likely throughout the day.
2. Use Alternative Routes: Travelers can opt for local roads or bypass routes if possible—always confirm with GPS or traffic apps for real-time conditions.
3. Observe Work Zone Limits: Exercise caution and reduce speeds in construction zones, where lane shifts and narrow shoulders are common.
4. Stay Informed: Check NJDOT advisories, local radio, and traffic apps for evolving conditions, especially if any lanes reopen ahead of schedule or additional closures become necessary.

Although these closures and detours may be inconvenient, officials stress that the sinkhole repairs and ongoing construction projects are critical to long-term road safety and infrastructure improvements. Motorists should factor in extra travel time, slow down in work zones, and remain patient while driving in these heavily impacted areas.