Interstate sinkhole repair work continues in New Jersey – NBC New York

Emergency crews continue to work to repair the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in New Jersey after a large sinkhole opened on the right shoulder Thursday morning.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation said I-80 eastbound in Wharton remains closed until further notice and drivers are advised to use alternate routes instead.

“NJDOT crews have stabilized the area and began excavation work on the right shoulder and right lane of I-80 eastbound, near Mile Post 34, last evening. Crews will continue to work around the clock to complete repair work and reopen the highway as quickly as possible,” NJDOT said.

According to transportation authorities, the cause of the 40-by-40-foot sinkhole was determined to be the collapse of an abandoned mine shaft.

State officials said they could not provide an estimated time frame for reopening the highway, especially with rain expected over the weekend.

NJDOT recommends using Route 46/Exit 28 as an alternate route through the area, otherwise drivers will be rerouted via Route 15/Exit 34.

Here are the NJDOT’s suggested routes:

Alternate Route 46 eastbound:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong. That’s several miles before closing
• Continue east on Route 46
• Stay in the two left lanes and turn left at the traffic light to continue east on Route 46
• In Dover, turn left onto Route 15 northbound, back to I-80 or
• Go east on Route 46 for approximately 12 miles and stay left on eastbound I-80

I-80 eastbound detour:

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