Two I-80 eastbound lanes to reopen May 21 in Wharton Borough; two westbound lanes set to reopen by end of May

WHARTON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – The permanent, long-term repair of I-80 in both directions is progressing, with two lanes on I-80 eastbound expected to reopen on Wednesday, May 21, in Wharton Borough.

Two lanes on I-80 westbound are scheduled to reopen by the end of May, and all lanes in both directions remain on schedule to reopen by June 25.

Heavy rainfall over the past two weeks has affected the schedule, as some work is weather-dependent and cannot be performed during rain. Two separate crews are working concurrently—one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side—to expedite repairs.

Crews will continue working 24 hours a day until repairs are completed and the highway is fully reopened. NJDOT is exploring opportunities to make up time on both sides, where possible.

I-80 Eastbound

All three concrete slabs on the eastbound side have been poured. After the concrete cures, a sealant must be applied—a process that cannot be performed in rainy conditions. Once sealed, stone and aggregate will be added to form the roadway base in preparation for paving multiple layers of asphalt. The roadway will then be striped, and a barrier curb will be installed to separate the median work zone from the two travel lanes, which will include the shoulder and the right lane.

Two lanes on I-80 eastbound are expected to reopen on May 21, weather permitting.

I-80 Westbound

Two concrete slabs are being repaired on the westbound side. Concrete was poured on the smaller slab last weekend, and the larger slab was poured on Thursday, May 15. As with the eastbound side, a sealant must be applied once the concrete cures. Then, stone and aggregate will be added to form the base for multiple asphalt layers. Striping and installation of the barrier curb will follow.

Two lanes on I-80 westbound are on schedule to reopen by the end of May.

I-80 Median Work Zone

Excavation in the median work zone is ongoing. Once completed, rebar installation and framing will begin, followed by concrete pours. The sequence will then mirror the east and westbound processes: curing, sealant application, adding the stone and aggregate base, and paving.

All lanes remain on schedule to reopen by June 25.

Motorists are reminded to use the signed detours and not cut through local streets that are unable to handle trucks and additional traffic.

NJDOT has an I-80 project web page to keep the public informed about the progress of repairs. Information about detours, alternate routes, and other options to minimize traffic congestion in the area can also be found on the web page.

An I-80 travel time page has been added to www.511NJ.org and has current travel times on the detour routes and alternate routes.

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