I-80 eastbound testing and proactive grouting operations to stabilize roadway continue in Wharton Borough

WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Crews from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) are continuing advanced scanning, testing, and proactive drilling and grouting operations on I-80 eastbound near Exit 34 in Wharton Borough, in an effort to stabilize the roadway.

While early indications suggest the repairs will take at least several weeks, all work remains dependent on weather and testing results, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact completion date. Crews will continue working around the clock to complete these repairs as safely and efficiently as possible.

“In order to safely reopen I-80, we must understand the complex subsurface conditions in the area and take the time to make repairs to ensure the safety and integrity of the roadway,” said NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor. “Despite several snow, rain, and freezing weather events, NJDOT and our contractors have been working non-stop to assess the situation and stabilize the roadway. We appreciate the cooperation of the New Jersey State Police and local officials in managing the additional traffic in nearby communities and thank the public for their patience as we work to repair the road safely.”

Senator Anthony M. Bucco commended the NJDOT for their responsiveness and cooperation with local officials, acknowledging the disruption caused by the repairs. “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 and repairs as quickly and safely as possible,” Bucco said.

Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn also expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of NJDOT, the New Jersey State Police, and local officials. “While road closures and detours have caused inconvenience, the safety and long-term integrity of our infrastructure remain top priorities,” Dunn said. “Safe, reliable infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”

UPDATE

Over the weekend, advanced scanning and testing were expanded to I-80 westbound. Precautionary scanning and testing were also extended further east and west on I-80 eastbound. Additionally, advanced remote sensing technology is being used to monitor both eastbound and westbound I-80.

Geophysical testing has been performed to understand subsurface conditions, helping to identify areas with loose soils and voids. A void is an underground cavity, not a sinkhole. These findings will guide further investigation and potential mitigation.

Proactive drilling and grouting operations are underway to stabilize the roadway. To date, 43 of 90 locations have been drilled, with 31 of those filled with grout. The NJDOT is working closely with engineering and mine experts to assess the impact of abandoned mines and develop effective stabilization measures to ensure the road’s long-term safety and reliability.

Once the emergency repairs are completed, NJDOT will install a monitoring system to track surface and underground conditions. Remote sensing technology will scan the pavement for changes, while sensors beneath the road will detect early signs of subsurface movement.

TRAFFIC MITIGATION

NJDOT continues to work with local officials and the New Jersey State Police to manage traffic detours and alternate routes, minimizing disruption to neighboring communities. Motorists are urged to avoid the area, plan extra travel time, and be patient during the ongoing testing and repairs.

The New Jersey State Police are manually controlling traffic signals on Route 10 and Route 46 to improve traffic flow, particularly during peak morning and evening hours. NJDOT has also adjusted the timing of several traffic signals on Route 15 to alleviate congestion. The department will continue to monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as necessary.

DETOURS AND ALTERNATE ROUTES

I-80 eastbound traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34. The following detour remains in place:

• 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

TIMELINE

• Monday, February 10: I-80 eastbound was closed and detoured at Exit 34 in Wharton, Morris County after a depression in the center lane was observed. Testing of the roadway began. While NJDOT crews were conducting soil tests on Monday night, the roadway collapsed.
• Tuesday, February 11: NJDOT crews excavated and stabilized the 11-foot by 11-foot sinkhole that was approximately four-feet deep. The compromised roadway is 75 feet away from the sinkhole repair completed in December. The area where that sinkhole was repaired is stable.
• Friday, February 14: Initial testing of the I-80 westbound roadway was conducted.
• Saturday, February 15: A new I-80 eastbound detour was implemented at the request of, and in coordination with, local officials to minimize the disruption of additional traffic in the neighboring communities.
• Sunday, February 16: During testing, a void was identified.
• Monday, February 17: The location where the void was identified was filled with grout. New Jersey State Police began manually controlling several traffic signals on Route 10 and Route 46 on weekdays during the morning and evening rush hours to improve traffic flow. NJDOT also adjusted the timing of several signals in the area to help ease congestion.
• Sunday, February 23: Additional testing on I-80 westbound was conducted and is being evaluated.

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