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Two eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Wharton, New Jersey, reopened at 10 p.m. on Wednesday (May 21) after being closed for over three months due to sinkholes caused by collapsed mine shafts. The closure had disrupted traffic and affected local businesses since February. According to NJDOT spokesperson Stephen Schapiro, paving was completed on May 20, and the lanes reopened after the asphalt cooled and barriers were installed.
The repairs, which involved two separate crews working around the clock, have been ongoing since December when the first sinkhole was discovered. A second void was found in February, leading to the closure of the eastbound lanes, and a third sinkhole in March affected the westbound lanes. The sinkholes were linked to the region's mining heritage, with abandoned mine shafts identified as the cause.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) expects all lanes to be fully operational by the end of June. In the meantime, drivers are advised to use posted detours and avoid cutting through local streets. The NJDOT has also provided information on detours and alternate routes on their website.