Sinkhole Closes I-80, Heavy Traffic Both Directions, Construction Across Morris County Roads

Emergency Repairs Underway; Heavy Traffic Reported on I-80 in Morris County

A sinkhole has forced the closure of all eastbound lanes on Interstate 80 at Exit 34 (NJ-15) in Wharton as of 10:24 a.m. today. Emergency construction crews are on-site, and traffic is being detoured as repairs are conducted. No estimated time for reopening has been provided.

The closure is causing significant congestion, with heavy traffic reported on I-80 eastbound from west of Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Roxbury Township to Exit 34 (NJ-15) in Wharton. Travel times in this stretch are estimated at 10 to 15 minutes.

Additionally, westbound traffic on I-80 is heavily backed up from Exit 37 (CR-513/Hibernia Ave) in Rockaway Township to east of Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Roxbury Township. Commuters should anticipate delays of 35 to 40 minutes in this area.

Ongoing Roadwork Affecting Major Routes

Several construction projects are also causing disruptions across Morris County:

• NJ-53: Construction between Park Road in Parsippany-Troy Hills and I-80 in Denville Township has closed the right shoulder until 3:00 p.m.
• NJ-23: Southbound right lane closed between CR-618 (Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd) in Butler and Alexander Ave in Pequannock Township until 3:00 p.m. A separate northbound lane closure in the same area will remain in effect until 5:00 p.m.
• US-202: Lane shifts are in place on southbound US-202 near I-287 in Montville Township until 3:00 p.m.
• US-46: Multiple right lane and shoulder closures affect both eastbound and westbound lanes in Denville, Rockaway, and Mountain Lakes until 3:00 p.m.
• I-80 Westbound: Lane shifts are in effect at Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Mount Arlington due to a bridge replacement project. These adjustments are expected to continue until further notice.
• NJ-124: The right lane on eastbound NJ-124 is closed between Waverly Place (CR-608) in Madison and John F. Kennedy Parkway (CR-649) in Summit until 3:00 p.m.

Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead

With the sinkhole-related detour and widespread roadwork across I-80, US-46, NJ-23, and NJ-124, drivers are advised to seek alternate routes or allow extra travel time. Real-time updates can be accessed through NJDOT traffic alerts or navigation apps.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.