I-80 sinkhole repairs progressing; Assemblywoman Dunn proposes statewide Mine Reclamation Program

WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Repairs to the sinkhole on I-80 Eastbound in Wharton Borough are progressing well, with two eastbound lanes expected to reopen by mid-May, according to Assemblywoman Aura Dunn following her latest update from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

While work on the westbound side is taking slightly longer than anticipated, two lanes are now projected to reopen by May 31. The full reopening of all lanes remains on schedule for June 25, weather permitting.

Micropiling work at the site continues, with engineers taking extra time due to difficult ground conditions. More than three feet of reinforced concrete will be poured, and a sensor system will be installed to monitor the area continuously. A 24/7 monitoring system is already in place, with engineers expressing confidence in the site’s stability and safety.

Assemblywoman Dunn also announced plans to introduce legislation establishing a New Jersey Mine Reclamation Program to address long-term infrastructure risks from abandoned mines. Modeled after federal and state environmental remediation programs, the initiative would create a systematic process for identifying and stabilizing hazardous sites that could endanger roads, water systems, and public safety.

“This is about applying lessons learned from I-80 to protect our communities moving forward,” said Dunn, who praised the continued patience of residents and businesses impacted by the closure.