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Repairs on Interstate 80 near Wharton, New Jersey, continue to disrupt high school sports schedules in Morris and Sussex Counties. The emergency repairs began after a sinkhole was discovered near Exit 34, leading to lane closures and detours. Athletic departments are struggling to find alternate routes, causing delays in game start times by 30 to 45 minutes. Some teams, like those from Roxbury and Bloomfield, have experienced significant delays, with players arriving late for warm-ups.
Roxbury athletic director Stu Mason described the situation as a "mess," with games often starting with only one umpire present. Vernon athletic director Bill Foley noted that while teams are leaving early to avoid delays, they are getting home later than usual. Schools are trying to avoid I-80 altogether, opting for backroads when possible.
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), two eastbound lanes are expected to reopen by mid-May, with westbound lanes following by the end of May. All lanes are anticipated to be open by June 25. The repairs involve extensive geotechnical testing and stabilization efforts, with crews working around the clock.
NJDOT is coordinating with local officials and the New Jersey State Police to manage traffic flow on detour routes. Despite these efforts, the disruptions are expected to continue until the repairs are complete. Sectional championships for baseball, softball, and lacrosse are scheduled for early June, adding pressure to resolve the traffic issues.