Photo: Getty Images
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for Morris County on Saturday (March 8) due to severe disruptions caused by sinkholes along Interstate 80 in Wharton Borough. This declaration aims to expedite access to federal relief funds and support ongoing repairs by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and New Jersey State Police.
The sinkholes emerged due to a collapsed mine under the highway's eastbound shoulder near Exit 34. An 11-by-11 foot sinkhole appeared on February 10, just weeks after a larger 40-by-40 foot sinkhole was repaired. The NJDOT has been conducting around-the-clock emergency repairs, with specialized machinery drilling and injecting grout to stabilize the area. The continuous construction, costing $150,000 per day, highlights the urgency of the situation.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of safety for workers, motorists, and nearby communities. He stated, "We are working around the clock on short-term emergency repairs while pursuing a long-term structural fix." Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., who represents the area, joined Murphy on a site visit and pledged to advocate for federal resources necessary to restore I-80.
The state of emergency will allow New Jersey to access additional resources and funding to aid in infrastructure repairs and public safety measures. Officials are also exploring long-term solutions, such as diverting traffic or constructing a permanent structure over the affected area. However, no clear completion date is available at this time. Residents are advised to plan for traffic delays and potential detours.