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Two westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Wharton reopened on Friday night (May 30), following extensive repairs due to a sinkhole. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the lanes, which were closed for months, are now open, easing the traffic congestion that has affected the area.
The reopening follows the earlier opening of two eastbound lanes on May 21. The remaining lanes are projected to reopen by June 25, as median work continues. Crews are working around the clock to complete the repairs, which include installing guiderails and a construction barrier to separate the median work zone from traffic.
The speed limit through the work zone has been reduced to 45 mph to ensure worker safety. The detours on local roads have been discontinued.
The sinkhole repairs have been challenging, with NJDOT crews facing difficulties due to the added complexity of working in a smaller median work zone. The completion of the repairs is dependent on weather conditions, particularly for the sealant application and asphalt paving. NJ Herald reported that the sinkhole, which opened on February 10, has caused significant disruptions to commuters and local businesses.
NJDOT has provided a project webpage with repair updates, detour information, and alternate routes to assist drivers.