Construction and Roadwork Cause Widespread Delays Across Major Highways

All lanes on I-80 in both directions are still closed near NJ Route 15 as crews conduct urgent repairs; commuters are advised to expect detours and extended travel times.

Emergency construction on Interstate 80 has prompted the full closure of all lanes in both directions at Exit 34 (NJ Route 15) in Wharton, Morris County, as of early Monday afternoon, causing significant traffic delays and detours throughout the region.

According to real-time traffic updates as of 2:06 p.m., the lane closures have led to notable congestion along NJ 15 northbound from I-80 in Rockaway Township to CR 699/Berkshire Valley Road in Jefferson Township, with delays ranging from a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes of added travel time. On the southbound side of NJ 15, congestion has also developed between Berkshire Valley Road in Jefferson Township and I-80 in Wharton, delays are currently estimated at a minimum of five minutes and growing.

In addition, westbound I-80 traffic is experiencing a minimum of 10- to 15-minute delays from east of Exit 35 (Mount Hope Avenue) to the shutdown area at Exit 34. Eastbound I-80 is also congested, with travel times at a minimum of 10 minutes from east of Exit 30 (Howard Boulevard) in Roxbury Township to the construction zone.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has not yet provided a timeline for the completion of the emergency repairs, and no details have been released regarding the nature of the emergency that necessitated the shutdown. More information can be found here.

The situation compounds existing construction-related disruptions throughout Morris County and surrounding areas. Ongoing lane and shoulder closures have been reported across key arteries, including U.S. Route 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills and Denville Townships, NJ Route 23 in Butler and Pequannock, and various segments of Interstate 287 in Morris, Hanover, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Townships. Most of these projects are scheduled to continue until at least 3:00 p.m. and will likely impact the afternoon commute home.

Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes, monitor traffic advisories, and allow additional travel time while emergency and scheduled construction work continues to impact regional mobility.