I-80 eastbound is closed and detoured for emergency sinkhole repairs in Wharton, Morris County. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.

This morning, Monday, February 10 at approximately 6:45 am, out of an abundance of caution, I-80 eastbound was closed and detoured at Exit 34 in Wharton due to a depression in the center lane. NJDOT crews are on site to evaluate the situation, determine the extent of the damage, and stabilize the area in order to design a repair. The cause of the depression has not yet been determined. 

I-80 eastbound will remain closed until further notice. All traffic is currently being detoured at Exit 34, however traffic is advised to use Exit 28 to take Route 46 eastbound or Route 10 eastbound to avoid the area. This exit is several miles before the closure. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, such as Route 46, or use the following detours:

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

I-80 eastbound Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
• Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
• Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
• Merge onto Route 15 southbound
• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound

Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.