A sudden and unexpected sinkhole has opened up along Interstate 80 near Wharton, New Jersey, prompting authorities to close the heavily traveled eastbound lanes.
Sinkhole Causes Lane Closures on Interstate 80 in New Jersey
A sudden and unexpected sinkhole has opened up along Interstate 80 near Wharton, New Jersey, prompting authorities to close the heavily traveled eastbound lanes. The sinkhole, discovered Thursday morning approximately 40 miles west of New York City, left a significant depression along the highway’s right shoulder.
Repairs Underway
Crews from the New Jersey Department of Transportation are currently evaluating the best course of action for repairing the sinkhole. While it is too early to determine the exact duration of the repairs, officials assure that motorists can expect minimal disruptions. As luck would have it, traffic is lighter than usual due to the holiday season, reducing the impact on commuters.
Motorists are being directed to take a brief detour before rejoining the interstate, which connects northern New Jersey with Pennsylvania. The highway plays a vital role in the region’s transportation network, and any disruption can have significant effects on daily commutes and travel times.
The closure has already caused inconvenience for those traveling through the area, but officials are working diligently to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.