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The eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Wharton, Morris County, are expected to remain closed for another two months due to ongoing emergency repairs. The closure, which began on February 10, is a result of a sinkhole that has disrupted traffic in the area. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is conducting drilling and grouting operations to stabilize the roadway and assess the extent of necessary repairs.
According to Patch, NJDOT crews are working around the clock to fill voids beneath the highway. As of March 5, 82 locations have been drilled and 57 filled with grout. NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor stated, "As the drilling and grouting work continues, we are stabilizing I-80 eastbound and narrowing in on the area that will require a more lengthy repair."
In addition to stabilizing the roadway, NJDOT is finalizing a design to build a crossover that will shift one lane of eastbound traffic onto the westbound side, reducing westbound traffic to two lanes. This plan aims to keep large commercial vehicles on I-80 and off alternate routes. Once the design is complete, construction will take approximately two weeks.
NorthJersey.com reports that Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency and is seeking federal funding to aid in the repairs. The sinkhole is located near a previous one that caused a four-day closure in December.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes such as Route 10 and Route 46. NJDOT and the New Jersey State Police are monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting signal timings to minimize delays. The department remains in communication with the Federal Highway Administration to coordinate ongoing repairs.