Some good news is finally on the horizon for New Jersey commuters in Wharton! After enduring the headache of I-80 closures, drivers and businesses can expect a much-needed break as the first eastbound lanes of I-80 are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday night. Weather permitting, of course. The closures were a result of a series of sinkholes that have plagued the area since the winter, causing major disruptions in traffic flow.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation made the long-awaited announcement on Tuesday, following the completion of paving work. By the end of May, two westbound lanes are also anticipated to reopen, bringing relief to those affected by the closures. Since mid-March, all I-80 lanes at exit 34 have been shut down due to a sinkhole opening next to the westbound median. The issue dates back even further, with the eastbound lanes being closed in February after another sinkhole emerged.
It seems that the trouble began in December when a massive sinkhole, the size of a four-story building, appeared and took four days to repair. However, the situation escalated as more voids were discovered under I-80, initially thought to be around 90 but turning out to be double that number. The most recent sinkhole popped up on March 19, measuring 15×15 feet on the side of the road. There are suspicions that abandoned underground mines could be the culprits behind the sinkholes surfacing. Despite the setbacks, the DOT is on track to reopen all lanes of I-80 by June 25, bringing an end to the months-long ordeal for commuters and businesses alike.
