Widespread Roadwork Causes Delays: I-80 Emergency Construction and More

Closure on I-80 causes traffic backup on NJ-15, and construction on US 46, NJ 23, I-287 & I-280 delays travel across major highways.

Emergency construction continues to require the full closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate 80 at Exit 34—New Jersey Route 15—in Wharton, according to transportation officials. All traffic is currently being detoured from this section of the highway, affecting travel through Morris County during peak afternoon hours.

I-80, as previously reported, has been closed for weeks due to dangerous sinkholes discovered across east and westbound lanes of the highway. For more information on the timeline of repairs, click here. Drivers are being redirected as crews address the urgent issue near the Wharton interchange, a critical junction for traffic connecting Roxbury, Rockaway, and Denville townships.

The emergency closure has compounded travel delays already in effect due to routine construction and high traffic volume. Earlier today, motorists experienced delays on I-80 eastbound from east of Exit 30 (Howard Boulevard in Roxbury Township) to west of Exit 34, with additional travel times starting at a minimum of 10 minutes. Westbound traffic on I-80 was also slowed between west of Exit 35 (Mount Hope Avenue) and east of Exit 34, showing similar delay estimates.

NJ Route 15, which intersects with I-80 at the affected interchange, has likewise seen northbound and southbound delays. As of 12:11 p.m., northbound traffic was congested from County Road 634 (North Main Street in Wharton) to just north of Parker Road in Rockaway Township. Southbound delays extended from south of Berkshire Valley Road (CR 699) to north of Parker Road.

The ongoing construction work across Morris County has been extensive throughout the day, with scheduled lane closures on several major roadways, including US Route 46, NJ Route 23, I-287, and I-280. Notably, construction along I-80 westbound east of Exit 38 in Denville and eastbound west of Exit 27 in Mount Olive is scheduled to continue until 3:00 p.m. today.

Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes, expect extended travel times, and monitor official traffic updates for changes to detours and reopening estimates. Emergency response and transportation teams remain on-site to address the situation at Exit 34.

You can find more information on the timeline of emergency roadwork on I-80 here.