A new sinkhole opened Wednesday March 19, 2025 on Interstate 80 near Exit 34 in Wharton, forcing a shutdown of the highway in both directions at that location. Traffic was backed up for miles as crews assessed the damage.
NJDOT had already been conducting emergency repairs on the eastbound lanes after a February study revealed a significant void beneath the roadway. The latest collapse disrupts plans to reopen one eastbound lane using the westbound side, with all traffic now being detoured via Route 15 north.
Sinkholes have plagued this stretch of I-80 for months, with a massive collapse in December caused by an abandoned mineshaft taking four days to repair. Another developed in February, prompting further concerns about roadway stability. Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency to secure federal funding for repairs, but drivers and business owners continue to face major disruptions.
NJDOT confirmed the closure on X, posting: “I-80 westbound all lanes closed and detoured at Exit 34 to Rt 15 northbound in Wharton due to emergency construction.”
No timeline has been provided for reopening, and detours remain in place.
