Two westbound lanes reopen on I-80 in Wharton Borough; full reopening set for June 25
WHARTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Two westbound lanes on Interstate 80 have reopened in Wharton Borough, state transportation officials said.
The reopened lanes, which began carrying traffic late Friday, May 30, had been closed for sinkhole repairs. Crews are now installing guiderails and a construction barrier to separate the median work zone from traffic. Westbound traffic will utilize the shoulder and right lane.
The westbound detour using Exit 34B will be removed now that the lanes are open, the New Jersey Department of Transportation said.
The speed limit through the westbound work zone has been reduced to 45 mph. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution in the active construction area.
Work in the I-80 median continues, with concrete pours for all six slabs now complete. Crews will begin applying sealant—dependent on weather—followed by multiple layers of asphalt. Median work is progressing more slowly due to limited access and ongoing traffic on both sides, but all lanes in both directions are expected to reopen by June 25.
Crews are working around the clock to complete repairs, and NJDOT said it will continue seeking opportunities to accelerate the schedule.
Two eastbound lanes reopened May 21. The speed limit through the eastbound work zone is currently 40 mph.
To assist drivers, NJDOT has launched a project webpage with repair updates, detour information, and alternate routes. Real-time travel times for detour and alternate routes are available at www.511NJ.org.
