Another Sinkhole Forces Closure of I-80 in Wharton, N.J., Two Months After Previous Incident

WHARTON, N.J. (AP) — A sinkhole closed a section of Interstate 80 on Monday, marking the second such incident in less than two months at the same location. The New Jersey Department of Transportation reported the sinkhole on the eastbound side of I-80 near Exit 34, prompting officials to shut down all lanes and divert traffic.

The latest closure follows a similar event on Dec. 26, 2024, when a 40-by-40-foot sinkhole opened at the same exit, caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft. Crews worked around the clock for four days to repair the previous damage, but the recurring issue has raised concerns about the area’s infrastructure.

‘I-80 eastbound all lanes are closed at Exit 34 – Rt 15 in Wharton due to a sinkhole. Motorists should follow the detour or plan an alternate route,’ the NJDOT tweeted. As of Monday afternoon, no injuries had been reported, but the severity of the sinkhole and the expected repair time remained unclear.

The repeated sinkholes have sparked questions about the region’s underground infrastructure, particularly the legacy of abandoned mines in Morris County. ‘This is a wake-up call,’ said Wharton Mayor William Antonelli. ‘We need to ensure that our infrastructure is inspected and maintained regularly to prevent such incidents in the future.’

State officials have not yet provided a cause for the most recent sinkhole but are investigating whether it may be linked to the same mining activity that caused the December incident. In the meantime, commuters are advised to expect delays and plan for additional travel time.

Photos from the December incident show extensive damage, with crews using heavy machinery to fill and stabilize the area. The previous sinkhole was successfully repaired in four days, but officials warned that recurring issues could strain local resources and disrupt traffic flow in the busy corridor.

Motorists are urged to monitor traffic updates and consider alternative routes as repairs progress. The NJDOT will provide updates on its social media channels and website.