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A sinkhole on Interstate 80 in Wharton, Morris County, has forced the closure of all eastbound lanes near exit 34 for Route 15 on Monday morning (February 10). The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) reported delays of up to 30 minutes and advised drivers to seek alternate routes. There have been no reported injuries, and the cause of the sinkhole remains under investigation.
This incident follows a previous sinkhole in December, which closed the highway for four days. That sinkhole was caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft beneath the road. According to PIX11, the area is known for its abandoned iron mines dating back to the 1800s. William Kroth, executive director of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, described the underground as "basically Swiss cheese."
Crews are currently assessing the situation, and there is no timeline for reopening the highway.