On December 26, the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 (I-80) in New Jersey were closed due to a massive sinkhole, causing vehicles to take detours. The reopening time is still uncertain.
At around 7:45 AM that day, a huge sinkhole appeared on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes near Exit 34 in Wharton, Morris County, New Jersey. The sinkhole expanded into the rightmost lane, posing a threat to several vehicles. The New Jersey Department of Transportation promptly closed the eastbound lanes, leading to heavy traffic congestion and affecting the flow of traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway and the George Washington Bridge in New York City.
The Department of Transportation in New Jersey indicated that they are currently assessing the extent of the damage and devising a repair plan. Due to weather conditions or other factors, the specific timing of the construction is undecided, and there is no timetable for the reopening of the highway. Drivers are advised to prepare for possible delays, seek alternative routes, and vehicles heading east on I-80 should exit at Exit 34 and take Route 15 to bypass the closed section.
The Department also recommends that drivers access traffic information websites and social media platforms for updates on the sinkhole repair progress. The website is www.511nj.org, and the X platform handle is @NewJerseyDOT.