1-minute read
What is a sinkhole? An expert talks about the impact on Interstate 80
What is a sinkhole? We asked an expert as the Wharton section of Interstate 80 is feeling the impact of sinkholes in New Jersey on March 20, 2025.
- “The good news is the permanent long-term repair on I-80 eastbound is progressing,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said.
- Two separate working crews, one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side, will work simultaneously to speed up repairs. Crews will remain working 24 hours a day, NJDOT said.
Sinkhole repairs on Interstate 80 eastbound in Wharton will continue for approximately seven weeks, and the significant void under the westbound section of I-80 will close the two lanes until early May, according to the latest update from the New Jersey Department of Transportation on Friday.
A significant void was found under the left lane on the westbound section of I-80. The “final design” for the I-80 westbound repairs are expected to be completed next week, and repairs will start after the process is complete, said NJDOT.
“The westbound lanes remain closed, but the NJDOT is advancing a permanent solution on both sides, aiming for completion of the westbound side in 5 weeks and 7 weeks on the eastbound side. Obviously, this is subject to change as the repairs continue,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25).
Two separate working crews, one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side, will work simultaneously to speed up repairs. Crews will remain working 24 hours a day, said NJDOT.
New Jersey Transit is offering a 50% discount on roundtrip travel to anyone impacted by the sinkholes. The discount will remain in affect for the duration of the repairs.
A State of Emergency was declared by Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this month to request federal funding for the highway repairs.
“The good news is the permanent long-term repair on I-80 eastbound is progressing. If no other problems arise, we expect to reopen at least two lanes in the eastbound direction by mid-May,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said.
A web page dedicated to providing updates on repairs to the public is now available on the NJDOT site.
Travel times on detour routes are available on a new page on 511NJ.org.
Eastbound lanes on I-80 in Wharton have been closed from sinkhole damage since early February. A void on the westbound lanes was discovered on March 19 which shut down those lanes.