I-80 Sinkhole Repairs Extended Until End of May
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced Friday that the reopening of Interstate 80’s westbound lanes has been delayed until the end of May, extending the timeline from the original May 4 target date. According to NJBIZ, officials attribute the delay to sonic drilling taking longer than expected, though eastbound repairs remain on schedule with two lanes expected to reopen by mid-May.
The announcement marks the latest development in a months-long saga that began when a 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole appeared on the highway’s shoulder in December 2024. Since then, multiple sinkholes and underground voids have been discovered, causing significant traffic disruptions for commuters throughout Morris County.
Abandoned Mines Complicate Repair Process
The root cause of the sinkholes has been identified as the collapse of abandoned mine shafts beneath the roadway. According to FOX5NY, New Jersey has nearly 600 abandoned mines scattered across nine northern counties, with a particularly high concentration in the Wharton, Dover, and Mine Hill areas.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco has expressed support for the NJDOT’s approach, stating they “are doing exactly what needs to be done to make sure the road is safe,” as reported by CBS New York. The repair work has involved extensive testing for underground voids, with officials identifying approximately 135 potential cavities in the affected area.
Economic Impact on Local Communities
The prolonged closures have significantly affected local businesses along the detour routes. Yaz Muheisen, owner of Pop’s Bagel Shop in Wharton, reported that sales have dropped almost 30% as regular customers struggle to navigate the congested alternative routes.
“Well, all of our locals live on the other side of town, and it really is a pain to get here, which is understandable. But we do miss seeing them,” Muheisen told CBS New York. In response to these challenges, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is planning to host seminars to help affected businesses find relief.
Commuter Nightmares Continue
For residents navigating the detours, the extended timeline means continued disruption to daily routines. Debbie, a single mother interviewed by ABC7 New York, explained that her commute to take her son with special needs to school has doubled from 30 minutes to over an hour due to the detours.
The extended closure timeline has prompted NJ Transit to offer a 50% discount on roundtrip travel for commuters affected by the emergency repairs. This discount will remain in effect throughout the duration of the repair work, providing an alternative travel option while easing congestion in the impacted area.
Comprehensive Repair Strategy
NJDOT has maintained 24-hour work schedules, including holidays, to expedite the repair process. The department is installing a sophisticated monitoring system that includes remote sensing technology on poles to scan for pavement changes, sensors beneath the road to detect early signs of subsurface movement, and deeper underground devices to monitor long-term soil stability.
Despite the delay in westbound repairs, NJDOT officials confirmed that the entire highway in both directions remains on track to completely reopen by June 25, as originally planned. Governor Phil Murphy previously declared a state of emergency for Morris County to enable access to federal funding for the repairs.
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