Sinkhole Closes I-80 Eastbound in Wharton; Delays and Roadwork Impact Morris County Travel

A large sinkhole has shut down all eastbound lanes of I-80 at Exit 34 (NJ 15) in Wharton, causing detours and delays. Meanwhile, road construction and electrical repairs are affecting I-287, NJ 23, NJ 10, US 46, and other key highways, leading to lane closures and traffic congestion.

WHARTON, NJ – A sinkhole on Interstate 80 eastbound at Exit 34 (NJ 15) in Wharton has led to the full closure and detour of all lanes, according to authorities. Emergency construction crews were dispatched early Friday morning, and the situation remains ongoing. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes as traffic is rerouted.

In addition to the sinkhole-related closure, delays on I-80 eastbound were reported between Exit 30 (Howard Blvd) in Roxbury Township and Exit 34 (NJ 15) in Wharton. As of 10:50 a.m., travel times through this stretch were estimated to be between five and ten minutes.

Road Construction Affecting Multiple Highways

Beyond I-80, several major roadways in Morris County are seeing significant construction impacts:

• I-287 Northbound: Construction is taking place near Exit 36 (CR 510/Morris Ave) in Morris Township, with an acceleration lane closure until 3:00 p.m. Additional lane closures are occurring between Exit 35 (NJ 124) and Exit 36 in Morristown and near Exit 47 (US 202) in Montville Township, both lasting until mid-afternoon.

• US Route 46: Multiple sections of the highway are affected, including:

  • Eastbound lanes near CR 644/Main St in Rockaway Township and west of NJ 53 in Denville Township, with a right shoulder closure until 3:00 p.m.
  • Westbound lanes from US 202/CR 511 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township to CR 654/Cherry Hill Rd are also impacted by right lane closures.

• NJ Route 10: Electrical repairs are closing one right lane eastbound near Peer Pl in Denville Township.

• NJ Route 23: Roadwork is affecting both directions, with lane closures reported between Butler and Pequannock Township and between Pequannock and Kinnelon Road. The northbound right lane is scheduled to remain closed until 5:00 p.m..

• NJ Route 124: Construction is underway on eastbound NJ 124, stretching from Madison through Summit, with a right lane closed until 3:00 p.m..

Advisory for Motorists

With multiple closures and lane restrictions across I-80, I-287, US 46, NJ 23, NJ 10, and NJ 124, drivers are advised to allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes, and stay updated on traffic conditions. Delays are expected to continue throughout the day as emergency and scheduled construction work progresses.

For real-time updates, motorists can check NJDOT traffic reports or use GPS navigation apps for alternate routes.