Assemblywoman Dunn meets with NJDOT commissioner after I-80 sinkhole repairs, calls for long-term solutions

TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn met with New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis K. O’Connor to discuss roadway safety and long-term infrastructure planning following the completion of emergency repairs on Route 80 in Wharton, where multiple sinkholes disrupted traffic and local business earlier this year.

Dunn (R-Morris) praised the DOT’s response to the crisis, citing its around-the-clock efforts to repair the highway and maintain transparency during the process.

“We were able to discuss NJDOT’s hard work during the sinkhole crisis, how they worked 24/7 to repair the roadway,” Dunn said. “I have nothing but praise for their transparency about timelines, planning and repairs, and how quickly they responded to questions and comments so my office in turn could quickly address constituent concerns.”

Three sinkholes emerged along Route 80 between December 2024 and March 2025, prompting a state of emergency declaration on March 8. The highway fully reopened in June after months of closures that significantly affected commuters and nearby small businesses.

Dunn, who led efforts to address the emergency, introduced a “Road to Relief” legislative package in April. Her advocacy played a key role in launching the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, a multi-million-dollar relief initiative for small businesses and essential workers impacted by the disruptions.

“This was about more than fixing a road,” Dunn said. “It was about standing up for the people and businesses of Wharton, demanding answers, and refusing to back down until the job was done.”

Looking ahead, Dunn has called for increased investment in geotechnical asset management, which involves studying and maintaining the ground beneath infrastructure to prevent costly and dangerous failures. She said a modern, proactive approach is essential for protecting the state’s transportation networks.

“New Jersey drivers deserve infrastructure they can count on,” she said. “That means consistent oversight, modern planning tools, and real investment in the systems that connect our communities.”

Wharton Mayor Bill Chegwidden commended Dunn for her leadership during the crisis, calling her advocacy a model of “action, results, and relentless service.”