NEW SINKHOLE SHUTS DOWN I-80 IN WHARTON—IS IT THE MINE SHAFTS BELOW?
JerseyTalks StaffOn Monday, February 10, 2025, a sinkhole opened on Interstate 80 East near Exit 34 in Wharton, New Jersey, forcing the closure of all eastbound lanes. This marks the second sinkhole in the area within two months.
The depression was first detected around 6:45 a.m. in the center lane. As crews conducted soil boring tests to evaluate the roadway's stability, the situation escalated into a full road collapse. State Senator Anthony Bucco attributed the collapse to an underlying mine shaft, complicating repair efforts.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has closed the affected section indefinitely. Traffic is being diverted at Exit 34, with motorists advised to use Exit 28 to Route 46 or Route 10 as alternate routes. Significant delays are expected, and drivers are urged to plan accordingly.
Wharton’s history of 19th-century iron mining leaves the area vulnerable to ground collapses. In December 2024, a nearby sinkhole caused by a collapsed mineshaft created a 40-foot-deep cavity, closing the highway for four days.
NJDOT crews are assessing the damage and developing a repair plan. There is currently no timeline for reopening the highway. Motorists should monitor NJDOT updates and local news for the latest information.