Crews working to repair Eastbound I-80 trigger second sinkhole
WHARTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Wharton, New Jersey, remain shut down as emergency crews work around the clock to repair a sinkhole.
The Department of Transportation reported that a sinkhole that opened up in December is located just 75 feet from this new one. The area where that sinkhole was repaired is stable.
Concerns about the hole were raised around 6:45 a.m. Monday when a depression in the center lane was spotted.
As workers were boring holes to investigate, they triggered a second sinkhole.
"Emergency repairs are always dynamic situations, and conditions can change quickly. While conducting tests of the roadway to determine the extent of the damage, conditions worsened," NJDOT Commissioner Fran O'Connor said. "Crews will continue to work 24-hours-a-day until the repairs are complete. The Department is working with local officials to minimize the impact of the additional traffic on neighboring communities as best as possible. We ask motorists to avoid the area and be patient while repairs are being made."
The NJDOT says the roadway in Wharton will remain closed until further notice and are advising motorists to expect delays and to use alternate routes.
Traffic is currently being diverted to Exit 34 but the agency suggests drivers use Exit 28 to Route 46 or Route 10 as alternates.
Route 46 eastbound Alternate Route:
-Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
-Continue on Route 46 eastbound
-Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound
-Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover back to I-80 or continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound
I-80 eastbound Detour:
-Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
-Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
-Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
-Merge onto Route 15 southbound
-Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound
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