Sinkhole causes major traffic disruption on interstate 80 in New Jersey

In northern New Jersey, a significant sinkhole formed on Interstate 80 in Wharton due to the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft. This incident occurred early in the morning on December 26, 2024, leading to immediate lane closures for eastbound traffic. Interstate 80 is a major thoroughfare connecting northern New Jersey with Pennsylvania, and the sudden opening of a 40-foot by 40-foot hole caused considerable disruption. Fortunately, the timing of the sinkhole's emergence coincided with a period of light traffic, which likely prevented any injuries as no vehicles were trapped at that moment. Crews from the New Jersey Department of Transportation quickly assessed the situation and began emergency repairs. The repairs were complex due to the nature of the damage and the need to stabilize the collapsed area first. While the westbound lanes were unaffected, eastbound motorists were directed to detour routes that included utilizing Route 46 and Route 15 for re-entry onto Interstate 80. Local authorities issued warnings to residents about increased traffic on alternate routes as repair work progressed. Transportation officials stated that the collapse raised concerns regarding the structural integrity of the highway above the abandoned mine. It took multiple days of continuous work to address the situation adequately. The extensive nature of the repairs led to uncertainty about when the eastbound lanes would reopen. The planning and execution of repair strategies were also affected by weather forecasts, which added to the complexity of the restoration efforts. Despite the significant repairs needed, officials remained hopeful that traffic would resume soon, as the overall timing of the incident allowed for efficient handling of road conditions. Public comments highlighted commendation for the quick response of the crews and the proactive measures taken to ensure public safety. The Department of Transportation emphasized the importance of rapid repair work to minimize delays for commuters and to restore normal traffic flow on one of the region's busiest highways. As days went by, signs indicated that repairs were progressing, but the overall schedule for complete reopening remained unclear, leading many motorists to remain flexible in their travel plans.