Beneath the bustling pavement of Interstate 80 in New Jersey lies a hidden menace a ‘significant void’ that has been causing chaos over the past few months. This troubling discovery has prompted the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to intermittently close the eastbound lanes in Morris County, most recently in the town of Wharton. As the ground continues to give way, state officials have warned that repairing this underlying issue could be a prolonged endeavor.
Back in December and February, two troublesome sinkholes had already forced closures on I-80 near Exit 34. Recent findings by NJDOT have illuminated that these sinkholes, coupled with an extensive void beneath the highway, demand lengthy and complex repairs. This void, which rests under the center lane of I-80 eastbound, has baffled the authorities and placed significant pressure on both commuters and local businesses.
The impact of these geological issues extends beyond mere traffic delays. Surrounding areas, particularly on Routes 10 and 46, are bearing the brunt of redirected traffic. Local businesses have reported a worrying decline in sales, some noting a drop by as much as 25 percent. The distress in the business sector has led local leaders, including Councilman Robert DeFillipo, to voice concerns over the survival of businesses along the Route 46 corridor.
Investigations have revealed that the region’s fraught mining history might be contributing to the instability. Dormant since the 1800s, two abandoned iron mines—Huff Mine and Johnson Hill Mine—are located near the highway, aligning suspiciously with the areas where the sinkholes have appeared. These ancient mines have long posed latent risks, awakening now to threaten modern infrastructure.
NJDOT is committed to addressing these voids, with crews working around the clock to stabilize the road. Already, 51 locations along the highway have been drilled, and 36 have been filled with grout as part of the repair strategy. Yet, despite these efforts, the complexity of the work means there’s no definitive timeline for when the repairs will conclude.
Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, who serves as both Township Attorney and State Senator, highlighted that businesses might be eligible for support from the State Economic Development Authority. He noted that previous grants had been successful in aiding businesses affected by road closures elsewhere in Morris County.
The situation continues to evolve, as authorities race against time to resolve the geological threats posed to both the highway and nearby communities. In the meantime, businesses and commuters await solutions to what has become a complex and challenging endeavor for New Jersey officials.