Traffic Troubles: I-80, 287 & 280, NJ-23 & 15, US-46 and More

Significant detours and heavy congestion due to ongoing emergency work on the I-80 sinkhole, construction on NJ-23, US-202, US-46, I-280, and heavy traffic from I-80 to NJ-15 and I-287 in Morris County.

WHARTON, N.J. — April 11, 2025 — All lanes of Interstate 80 in both directions remain closed at Exit 34 (NJ Route 15) in Wharton due to the ongoing emergency construction on the sinkholes, more information here.

The closure, which has forced full detours in both directions, is causing ripple effects throughout the region’s transportation network, particularly affecting commuting times across Morris County and surrounding areas.

The emergency work has intensified existing traffic congestion, especially along nearby corridors such as I-287 and NJ 15. By 12:12 p.m., heavy traffic was reported on I-287 northbound stretching from just north of Exit 47 (US 202) in Montville Township to north of Exit 53 (Hamburg Turnpike) in Bloomingdale, resulting in travel times adding a minimum of 40 to 45 minutes. Earlier in the day, from 11:51 a.m., the same stretch experienced delays adding a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes to all travel through the area.

On NJ 15 northbound, delays were reported from I-80 in Rockaway Township to south of Berkshire Valley Road (CR 699) in Jefferson Township, adding a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes to all travel through the area.

Additional I-80 delays include:

Westbound traffic backed up from east of Exit 35 (Mount Hope Avenue) to Exit 34 in Rockaway Township as of 10:57 a.m. - delays are reported to be adding a minimum of 5-10 minutes to all travel (delays continue to rise).
Eastbound congestion from east of Exit 30 (Howard Boulevard) in Roxbury Township to Exit 34 in Wharton with delays adding an estimated five to ten minutes to travel, and rising.

Meanwhile, scheduled daytime construction is underway on several major routes, with lane and shoulder closures expected to last through mid-afternoon. Notable projects include:

NJ Route 23 northbound and southbound in Butler and Pequannock Township, with right lane closures until 4:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.
US Route 202 southbound in Montville Township with a right lane closure until 3:00 p.m.
Multiple work zones on US Route 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, with both left and right shoulder closures in effect until 3:00 p.m.
Eastbound I-280 near I-80 in Parsippany-Troy Hills also experiencing right shoulder closures through 3:00 p.m.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time due to continuing congestion and widespread construction impacts. No estimate has been provided yet for the completion of the emergency work on I-80.