I-80 eastbound initial testing completed revealing significant void in Wharton Borough

WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Initial testing on I-80 near Exit 34 has revealed a significant void under the eastbound lanes in Wharton Borough.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has expanded the work area on I-80 eastbound for further investigation, as previously noted. There are no immediate concerns about the stability of I-80 westbound.

The newly discovered void, a cavity located underneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound, is near the road depression observed on February 10. The area around the void has been secured to ensure the safety of the crews working on the roadway repairs. This void will require more extensive and lengthy repairs than initially expected. The exact completion date remains undetermined, as the repair design is still in progress.

Crews are continuing proactive drilling and grouting operations to stabilize other sections of the roadway, working around the clock to complete these repairs as efficiently and safely as possible.

“After completing the initial testing, the good news is there are no immediate concerns about the stability of I-80 westbound. The bad news is that a significant void was identified under the center lane of I-80 eastbound, which will require an extensive and robust repair,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “It will take some time to design a repair that ensures the long-term integrity and safety of the roadway. It’s crucial to act now so we won’t have to revisit the issue soon.”

“We understand the disruption this closure has caused for travelers and the local community. NJDOT, in coordination with local officials, is exploring options to improve traffic flow in the area during the construction,” Commissioner O’Connor added. “The Department, along with local authorities, is committed to keeping the public informed and minimizing disruptions.”

“The NJDOT has been working around the clock to repair and reopen the I-80 in Wharton. I want to commend Commissioner O’Connor and the entire NJDOT team for their responsiveness to this difficult situation and for their cooperation with local officials to establish safe detour routes for the public’s safety,” Senator Anthony M. Bucco said. “Addressing this situation has not been easy, and I want to thank the commuters, residents, and businesses for their patience as the DOT works to complete the necessary testing so the ongoing repairs can be done as quickly and safely as possible.”

“I want to thank the NJDOT team, the New Jersey State Police, and local officials for their nonstop efforts in resolving this issue,” Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn said. “While road closures and detours have caused inconvenience, the safety and long-term integrity of our infrastructure remain top priorities. Safe, reliable infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”

UPDATE:

Proactive drilling and grouting operations are ongoing. The work area has expanded from 90 locations to approximately 135 locations. As of Thursday, February 27, 51 locations have been drilled, and 36 have been filled with grout. These areas require investigation, though not all of them are voids. Additional locations may be adjusted as work progresses.

TRAFFIC MITIGATION:

NJDOT is working closely with local officials and the New Jersey State Police to implement detours and alternate routes to minimize disruption in neighboring communities. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, plan for extra travel time, and remain patient as testing and repairs continue.

State Police are manually controlling several traffic signals on Route 10 and Route 46, which serve as alternate routes, during the morning and evening rush hours to improve traffic flow. NJDOT has also adjusted the timing of several signals on Route 15 to ease congestion.

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

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for real-time travel updates and construction information.