Assemblywoman Dunn urges action on mine safety, infrastructure after I-80 sinkhole crisis in Morris County
TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn on Monday called on the state to take decisive steps to prevent future infrastructure emergencies like the massive sinkhole that shut down a section of Interstate 80 in her district this winter and cost New Jersey millions of dollars.
Testifying before the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, Dunn voiced support for two bills aimed at improving safety and oversight: A5694, which would require underground surveys before transportation projects begin, and A5672, her measure to establish an abandoned mine reclamation program in the Department of Environmental Protection.
“The moment should be a concern for all of us, not just for what happened but for what it reveals about the state of our infrastructure monitoring systems,” Dunn, R-Morris, said.
Dunn thanked the state trooper who first spotted the road depression and praised the Department of Transportation’s swift response and communication.
“At a time when public trust and the effectiveness of government are at an all-time low, this comes as a boost in morale, a reminder that government can still work for the people when it matters most,” she said.
The I-80 collapse, which kept lanes closed for months and caused major disruptions across western Morris and Sussex counties, was linked to long-abandoned mine activity beneath the highway. New Jersey has nearly 600 abandoned mines, with an estimated 10% near state roads, Dunn said, noting that basic information about them is not readily accessible to the public.
“Even now, if you go to the Department of Environmental Protection’s website to learn more about our mines … guess what the message says if you Google it? Page not found. I think that kind of says a lot, doesn’t it?” Dunn said.
She called for a centralized mine mapping and monitoring system, better data sharing among agencies, and the creation of early warning systems to prevent future crises.
“The closure alone cost the state an estimated $200,000 per day. So we are north of $25 million, and that is not including the law enforcement costs to address this crisis,” Dunn said. “Failing to plan will only cost more, not just in dollars but in public confidence.”
Dunn concluded with a bipartisan appeal, saying, “This isn’t a partisan issue. I feel good we found one that’s nonpartisan that we could all get around. So as we pave the nation’s corridor, know that together we are paving a path to a more unified, prepared, and resilient New Jersey.”
