Initial testing on I-80 near the Exit 34 sinkhole has been completed revealing a significant void under the eastbound lanes in Wharton, Morris County.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has expanded the work area on I-80 eastbound for further investigation, as noted in previous updates. There are no immediate concerns about the stability of I-80 westbound.
The new void, which is an empty space or cavity that exists underground, is located underneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound, near where the road depression was observed on February 10. The area near the void has been secured to ensure the safety of the crews working to repair the roadway. This void will require a more extensive and lengthy repair than originally thought. Until a design is finalized, it is difficult to determine an exact completion date.
“After finishing the initial testing, the good news is there are no immediate concerns about the stability of I-80 westbound. The bad news is a significant void was identified underneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound, which will require an extensive and robust repair,” NJDOT
Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “It is going to take some time to design a repair that will ensure the long-term integrity and safety of the roadway. It is important that we act now to make lasting repairs, so we don’t have to come back any time soon.
“We understand the importance of this highway and the disruption this emergency closure has caused on travelers and the local community. The Department, in coordination with our local partners, are exploring options on how to improve traffic flow in the area during construction. We appreciate the public’s understanding and the cooperation of the New Jersey State Police and local officials as repairs continue.
“Crews will continue working around the clock until the road is stabilized and safe to reopen. The nature of the work is complex and time-consuming, making it hard to estimate when work will be complete,” Commissioner O’Connor said.
“While NJDOT crews were working to repair the initial sinkhole on I-80 eastbound, a separate, deeper void was discovered in the same area. This new development, along with the discovery of the initial sinkhole, make it clear that the fast action and vigilance of the New Jersey State Troopers who identified the initial road depression, was critical in avoiding a potential serious situation. For that we are all grateful,” Senator Anthony M. Bucco said. “We are now working closely with Commissioner O’Connor and his team to fully assess the new damage caused by this deeper void and prioritize the necessary repairs to safely reopen the interstate.
“While the discovery of a significant void means repairs will take longer than expected, the safety of our residents remains our top priority,” Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn said. “I want to thank the New Jersey State Police for their swift action in identifying the initial sinkhole, which prevented a potential disaster and saved lives. I appreciate NJDOT and all involved for their continued hard work to resolve this issue. Their dedication ensures that our infrastructure will be safe and reliable for the long term.”
UPDATE
Proactive drilling and grouting are ongoing. The work area has expanded from 90 locations to approximately 135 locations. As of this morning, Thursday, February 27, 51 locations have been drilled, and 36 locations have been filled with grout. These areas are not all voids, but locations requiring investigation. The number of locations that require further investigation may be adjusted as work progresses. This proactive drilling and grouting help identify and address potential problem areas before they develop into voids, surface-level depressions, or sinkholes. This type of operation requires a high degree of precision and measurements. To do so safely, the contractor is proceeding with extreme caution in the affected area. There are multiple drill rigs working 24 hours a day. This is a time-consuming process as it requires the operator to drill down and fill the shaft with grout. The purpose of this is to firm up the base of the road, which is done when the grout spreads into any existing voids.
TRAFFIC MITIGATION
NJDOT is working closely with local officials and the New Jersey State Police to coordinate detours and alternate routes in order to minimize the disruption of additional traffic in the neighboring communities. We ask motorists to avoid the area, plan extra travel time, and be patient while testing and repairs are ongoing.
DETOURS AND ALTERNATE ROUTES
All I-80 eastbound traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34 and the following detour remains in place until further notice:
I-80 eastbound Exit 34 Detour:
- Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- At the end of the ramp, stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta/Picatinny Arsenal
- Stay in the right lane on North Main Street following signs for Route 15 North/Jefferson/Sparta
- Bear right toward Route 15 northbound/Picatinny Arsenal
- At the traffic signal, merge onto Route 15 northbound
- Stay left, following signs for Pondview Drive/U and Left Turns
- Using both lanes, make a U-turn at the Pondview Drive traffic signal and merge onto Route 15 southbound
- Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound
Traffic is advised to use Exit 28 to take Route 10 eastbound or Route 46 eastbound as an alternate route to avoid the area. This exit is several miles before the closure:
Route 10 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 right to take Route 10 eastbound
- Take the exit to I-287 northbound
- Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound
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
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