WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for Morris County on Saturday, following the severe disruptions caused by sinkholes along Interstate 80 in Wharton Borough.
This declaration is aimed at expediting access to federal relief funds and supporting ongoing repairs as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and New Jersey State Police work to stabilize the area and reduce hazards.
Governor Murphy’s announcement comes as the state continues to grapple with the impact of the sinkholes on commuters and local residents. “We are working around the clock on short-term emergency repairs while pursuing a long-term structural fix,” Governor Murphy stated. “I want to thank Congressman Tom Kean and all the legislators and mayors who have joined us today in addressing this urgent issue.”
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who toured the Route 80 East sinkhole site alongside Governor Murphy, Congressman Kean, and other legislators, emphasized the challenges of the situation. “The NJDOT is working tirelessly to stabilize the area. Specialized machinery is drilling and injecting grout to reinforce the infrastructure—this is a slow but necessary process to prevent further collapse and protect nearby homes and businesses,” Fantasia said.
The NJ State Police have assigned 27 officers daily, with 6 officers stationed directly at the site and 21 managing traffic and detours in surrounding areas. This continuous construction, running 24/7 at a cost of $150,000 per day, highlights the urgency and dedication to resolving the crisis.
Governor Murphy’s State of Emergency declaration will allow the state to access additional resources and funding to aid in the response and recovery efforts. This includes supporting infrastructure repairs, public safety measures, and assistance for communities affected by the situation.
Assemblywoman Fantasia, a Sussex County commuter herself, expressed understanding of the frustration the ongoing detours are causing for local residents and businesses. “We are actively exploring economic solutions to help offset lost revenue for affected businesses, including a proposed bill by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn that would establish a temporary sales tax exemption for small businesses impacted by this highway project,” Fantasia said.
While the NJDOT continues its work, officials are exploring potential long-term solutions, such as diverting traffic onto the westbound side or constructing a more permanent structure over the affected area. However, due to the magnitude of repairs, no clear completion date is available at this time.
Residents are advised to continue planning for traffic delays.
