I-80 East closed in Morris County because of possible sinking hole

On By Littum

The I-80 East in Wharton is currently experiencing a full shutdown due to a possible swallowing hole reminiscent of a similar incident in December.

This morning at. At 06.45 a depression was observed in the middle of the I-80 eastbound, which led to the closure of the highway.

Out of an abundance of caution is detained at exit 34 in Wharon, leading to Route 15. All Eastbound traffic is led to exit at exit 30.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) herds is on stage to assess and determine the extent of the road damage.

The sinking hole in question had previously opened over an abandoned iron mining back in December, creating a 40 with a 40 -foot hole.

All traffic is currently detected at exit 34, but traffic is advised to use exit 28 to take route 46 eastbound or route 10 eastbound to avoid the area. This exit is several miles before the closure. Motorists are advised to search alternative routes such as Route 46, or use the following detours:

Route 46 Eastbound Alternative Route:

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

or

  • Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay back to I-80 Eastbound

I-80 East Below Detail:

  • Motorists on the I-80 East is fixed to take exit 34 to route 15/WHARTON/Dover/Sparta
  • Stay on right after sign on Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
  • Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 Southbound/To I-80/Dover
  • Merged on route 15 southbound
  • Stay back to take the exit to I-80 Eastern

Variable message signs will give advance notice to motorists on traffic pattern changes associated with the work.