Sinkhole on I-80 Causes Full Closure; Multiple Roadway Delays and Construction Projects

A major sinkhole on I-80 eastbound near Exit 34 has led to a complete closure, forcing detours and significant congestion. Meanwhile, ongoing construction projects across major roadways in Morris County, including NJ-10, US-46, I-287, and NJ-23, are expected to cause additional delays throughout the day.

WHARTON, NJ — A sinkhole on Interstate 80 eastbound has led to the full closure of all lanes near Exit 34 for NJ Route 15 in Wharton as of 8:02 a.m. Friday. Emergency construction crews are on-site, and all traffic is being detoured, causing significant delays in the area.

Additionally, traffic congestion continues on I-80 eastbound between Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Roxbury Township and Exit 34 (NJ 15) in Wharton. As of 10:50 a.m., travel times in this stretch are estimated to be between 10 to 15 minutes.

Ongoing Construction Projects Impacting Traffic

Multiple construction projects are also affecting major roadways in Morris County and surrounding areas today:

• NJ Route 10 (Parsippany-Troy Hills Twp): The westbound ramp to S. Powder Mill Rd is closed and detoured until 2:00 p.m.
• US Route 202 (Montville Twp): Southbound lanes at I-287 are shifted until 3:00 p.m.
• NJ Route 23 (Butler to Pequannock Twp): The southbound right lane is closed between CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd and Alexander Ave until 3:00 p.m. The northbound right lane is also closed between Alexander Ave and CR 618/Kinnelon Rd/Keil Rd until 5:00 p.m.
• US Route 206 (Chester Twp): Northbound lanes north of NJ 24/CR 513/West Main St are shifted until 3:00 p.m.
• US Route 46 (Multiple Locations): Several lane and shoulder closures are in place:
  • Westbound ramp to eastbound I-80 in Netcong – left lane closed until 4:00 p.m.
  • Eastbound ramp to eastbound I-80 in Netcong – right lane closed until 4:00 p.m.
  • Westbound in Denville Twp (CR 644/Main St) – right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.
  • Eastbound in Rockaway Twp (CR 644/Main St) – right lane closed until 3:00 p.m.
  • Westbound in Denville Twp (NJ 53) – right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.
  • Eastbound in Denville Twp (CR 644/Main St) – right shoulder closed until 3:00 p.m.
• Interstate 287 (Montville Twp): Northbound left lane near Exit 47 (US 202) is closed until 2:00 p.m.
• Interstate 80 (Mount Arlington): Westbound lanes at Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) are shifted due to a bridge replacement project. The left lane remains shifted until further notice.
• NJ Route 53 (Parsippany-Troy Hills to Denville Twp): Both directions are affected, with right shoulder closures until 3:00 p.m.

Traffic Implications

With ongoing construction projects and the unexpected sinkhole on I-80, commuters are advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Motorists should check real-time traffic updates and follow detours as directed.

For live updates, commuters can check state transportation websites and traffic monitoring services.