I-80 eastbound in New Jersey closed until further notice after large sinkhole opens up

A 12 m (40 foot) wide sinkhole collapsed a portion of the I-80 highway in New Jersey on Thursday, December 26, 2024, leading to the closure of the route. The sinkhole was caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft.

I-80 eastbound was closed after Exit 34 in Wharton, New Jersey near milepost 34, after a massive sinkhole opened on the right shoulder encroaching the right lane at around 07:45 local time (LT) on Thursday, December 26.

The sinkhole has been measured at 12 x 12 m (40 by 40 feet) by the New Jersey Department of Transport (NJDOT), and the cause was determined as the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft.

NJDOT operatives are on the site repairing the damage.

“It’s too soon to estimate a specific time because of the extensive nature of the repairs and forecasted weather this weekend,” NJDOT said in a press release on December 27.

UPDATE: I-80 eastbound all lanes REMAIN CLOSED AND DETOURED at Exit 34 – Rt 15 in Wharton due to a sinkhole. Traffic is being diverted to Exit 34. Follow detour or plan alternate route using Exit 28 to Rt 46 eastbound. https://t.co/1MVZHG8BSc

— NJDOT (@NewJerseyDOT) December 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/wakeupnj/status/1872611100186800583

A better shot of the route 80 sinkhole/collapse taken from a FB page (not my photo) – that is just frightening!!! pic.twitter.com/vvAq2qsflQ

— Sheryle (@Sheryle1122) December 26, 2024

The directions provided by the NJDOT are as follows:

Route 46 eastbound Alternate Route:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
• Continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound
• Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover back to I-80

or

• Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound

I-80 eastbound Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
• Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
• Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
• Merge onto Route 15 southbound
• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound

References:

¹ I-80 eastbound remains closed as emergency sinkhole repairs continue in Wharton, Morris County — Traffic advised to use Route 46 and other alternate routes – NJDOT – December 26, 2024

Featured image credit: CBS (stillshot)