Do You Know Why Traffic Is Stopped on I-80 West NJ?

If you are an NJ resident, make sure you know traffic conditions before driving, as some roads may be blocked due to sinkhole repairs. We don’t want you to face a dreadful situation in a metropolitan area like NJ.

On March 19, 2025, traffic was stopped on I-80 westbound in New Jersey due to a sinkhole at Exit 34B in Wharton. All lanes were closed by the NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation) until further notice to prevent accidents. This sinkhole was discovered during drilling operations, revealing a significant void on the left side of the lane. After this discovery, Randolph Township officially confirmed the closure of the lanes.

How Was the Sinkhole Discovered?

NJDOT crews were conducting soil tests that night when the roadway collapsed. They excavated and stabilized an 11-foot by 11-foot sinkhole, about four feet deep. This spot is 75 feet from a larger 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole repaired on the right shoulder of I-80 eastbound near milepost 34 in late December 2024. When another sinkhole appeared in February, NJDOT quickly began testing the ground under both directions of I-80 to understand subsurface conditions.

After these discoveries, NJDOT carried out a proper operation. Drilling and grouting were done to stabilize I-80 eastbound and identify areas needing immediate attention. On March 19, a 15-foot by 15-foot sinkhole opened in the median within the I-80 eastbound work zone. Out of caution, the team closed the sinkhole immediately and detoured all lanes on I-80 westbound at Exit 34B/Route 15 northbound. Crews worked overnight to stabilize the area around the median sinkhole and tested I-80 westbound to assess the situation and determine necessary measures.

Repair Plans for I-80

A large void was discovered under the left lane, which is why most westbound lanes remain closed and detoured at Exit 34B until the road is safe again. Final repair decisions are nearing completion. According to the repair plan, two lanes of I-80 westbound will likely reopen in early May, with other lanes to follow. Two eastbound lanes are also expected to reopen by mid-May.

Crews are divided into two teams working simultaneously—one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side. They are expected to work 24 hours a day until repairs are complete and the highway is fully functional. Their devised plan is nearly finished.

Milestone	Status
Establish emergency detour route	Complete
Establish two-way traffic for residents	Complete
Revise signal timing to improve traffic flow	Complete
Conduct geotechnical tests	Complete
Proactive drilling and grouting	Complete
I-80 westbound testing	Complete
I-80 westbound repair	Ongoing
I-80 eastbound repair	Ongoing
Quality assurance testing	Ongoing
Monitoring system installation	Ongoing
Milling and paving	Has yet to begin
I-80 westbound reopens	Early May
I-80 eastbound reopens	Expected mid-May

Emergency funding was secured by Governor Phil Murphy, who declared a state of emergency for Morris County on March 8 to obtain federal funding. This announcement was made to apply for emergency federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). NJDOT is working in collaboration with FHWA.

Traffic Management

Crews are working with local officials and the New Jersey State Police Department to manage traffic and vehicle flow on alternate routes in the region. Prioritizing citizens, we have received requests from neighboring communities along Route 46 reporting higher traffic due to the westbound closure.

Adjustments have been made by systematically arranging the timing of signals on Routes 15, 10, and 46 to minimize the adverse effects of the closure. Traffic conditions will be monitored, and plans will be devised to prevent delays.

Here are some suggestions for motorists to reduce delays on I-80 and surrounding roadways:

• NJ TRANSIT offers a 50% discount on round-trip travel for those affected by the ongoing emergency repair work on I-80. This discount provides alternative travel options. Get more information through NJ TRANSIT’s press release.
• Consider working from home if possible.
• Businesses and employees are encouraged to adjust working hours to avoid driving during morning and evening rush hours.
• Stay on designated detours or alternate routes.
• Be cautious with GPS, as it may reroute to local roads not designed for commercial vehicles or increased traffic.
• Truck drivers should note low bridges and weight restrictions on many roads in the area.
• Important: Picatinny Arsenal is a restricted military installation, and its roads are not accessible to the public.

Get to Know Routes You Can Take on I-80

A new I-80 travel time page has been added to www.511nj.org, providing current travel times on detour and alternate routes. NJDOT is using technology to send messages to commercial truckers about the closure, detour, and alternate routes. The department is also using digital messaging signs and working with regional transportation partners to share information so drivers can make informed decisions about other routes.

Detour on I-80

I-80 westbound is detoured at Exit 34B. The following detour is in place:

• Motorists on I-80 westbound can take exit 34B to Route 15 Sparta or Jefferson. 
• Keep left on Route 15 northbound.
• Use the two left lanes at Pondview Drive to make a U-turn onto Route 15 southbound.
• Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 westbound.

Motorists on Route 15 southbound wishing to take the bridge over the Rockaway River will be directed accordingly.

Recent Update by Randolph Community

In a recent post by the Randolph Community, dated March 28, 2025, and modified on April 4, 2025, regarding the I-80 westbound closure, an April update was provided about the ongoing project. The update included construction plan details, ensuring workers are striving for timely completion. Key updates include:

• By May 4: Two westbound lanes expected to reopen.
• By May 18: Two eastbound lanes expected to reopen.
• By June 25: Full restoration of all lanes in both directions.

They further noted that NJDOT is bringing in expert teams and using infrastructure-sensitive methods to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the roads.

References

Information in this article is sourced exclusively from the following official sources, and we do not claim any content is original to us:

• Official State of New Jersey
• Township of Randolph, New Jersey