Long-term road closures impact drivers after sinkhole opens on I-80

On December 26, 2024, a substantial sinkhole was discovered on Interstate 80 in New Jersey just feet away from where cars were passing. This incident resulted in immediate closures of sections of the highway, affecting drivers and leading to significant congestion on detour routes in the Morris County area. Local business owners expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing situation, as the disruptions have been severe. The New Jersey Department of Transportation indicated that the sinkhole was associated with the region’s mining heritage, specifically the collapse of an abandoned mining shaft. Over time, additional sinkholes developed, complicating the restoration efforts. Video footage taken shortly after the sinkhole appeared revealed shocked drivers observing the extent of the collapse, which saw steam rising from the hole, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite the efforts to expedite repairs, traffic in the area remained heavily impacted as of mid-May 2025, with NJDOT officials anticipating partial lane reopenings soon. Commuters were advised to utilize New Jersey Transit services; however, train operations were suspended due to a concurrent strike by engineers, significantly hampering alternative travel options. As repair work continues and the timeline for reopening extends, the local community awaits full restoration of this vital transportation route.