The eastbound lanes of Route 80 in New Jersey are expected to remain closed for at least three more weeks as engineers work to determine the cause of multiple sinkholes that have appeared in recent months. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is conducting extensive testing to ensure the roadway’s safety before reopening.
Ongoing Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
NJDOT announced another westbound closure on Tuesday night, starting at 10 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. This temporary closure will allow engineers to conduct further tests on the highway to assess the extent of the damage and the underlying risks.
The issue first surfaced when a sinkhole opened on December 26 near Exit 34 in Wharton. The hole appeared in the right shoulder and right lane but was repaired within a week. However, a second, much larger sinkhole measuring 11 feet by 11 feet formed just 75 feet away in the centre lane on February 10. The recurrence of these sinkholes has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the highway.
Engineers Investigating Underground Mine Shafts
Experts believe that the sinkholes may be caused by abandoned mine shafts beneath the highway. “Unfortunately, when you build a highway over a mine, this is the kind of stuff that happens over time,” said State Senator Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, during an interview on the New Jersey 101.5 Morning Show. He emphasized that engineers are working around the clock to locate all potential voids beneath the road that could lead to future collapses.
The presence of abandoned mines in the area has made the investigation more complex. Officials are examining the current sinkholes and identifying other weak spots that could cause further road failures.
Winter Weather Complicating Repairs
The ongoing winter weather has posed additional challenges to repair efforts. NJDOT crews have been working in difficult conditions to determine the ground’s stability. On Monday, they identified a second underground void, which was promptly filled with grout to prevent further collapses.
Meanwhile, law enforcement is manually operating traffic signals on major roads such as Route 46, Route 10, and Route 15 to help ease congestion during peak hours. Additionally, a new detour has been put in place to direct eastbound traffic off Route 80 at Exit 28 onto Route 46, reducing the impact on nearby residential areas.
Heavy Machinery Accident Adds to Concerns
Adding to the growing concerns, Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris reported that part of the pavement collapsed while a machine was being used to probe the underground cavities. The equipment partially fell into the cavity, highlighting the roadway’s fragile nature.
Despite these setbacks, NJDOT remains committed to addressing the issue as quickly and safely as possible. Engineers are working tirelessly to assess and reinforce the ground beneath Route 80 to prevent further closures or accidents.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Highway Reopen?
Officials estimate that the highway will remain closed for at least three more weeks, but the timeline could be extended if additional underground instability is discovered. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and stay updated with NJDOT announcements for the latest developments on road conditions and detours.
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