Interstate 80 in Wharton will stay closed for approximately another month. as per a recently unveiled schedule from the state Department of Transportation.
The department's updated schedule arrived several months following the discussion about the highway. initially shut down for urgent maintenance work due to the detection of sinkholes and cavities under the road surface.
The organization stated that two westbound lanes will likely reopen by May 4, followed by two eastbound lanes reopening by May 18. All sections of the highway are projected to be open again by June 25; however, this schedule relies on weather conditions and continuous structural assessments.
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Our teams are working tirelessly around the clock to safely reinstate one of New Jersey’s crucial roadways," stated Transportation Commissioner Fran O'Connor. "We recognize the considerable inconvenience this situation has created and value the public's understanding as we progress towards reopening.
On February 10th, the eastbound lanes of the highway were closed due to a newly formed sinkhole close to Exit 34. This cavity is merely a short distance away from another sinkhole that had caused the closure of this section of the road for more than four days back in December.
As repair teams were working on the The second sinkhole was followed by a third one, measuring 15 by 15 feet, which emerged in the median on March 19. Closing sections of Route 80 from Exit 34 to the span above Route 15. Governor Phil Murphy had earlier announced a state of emergency to access federal assistance and expedite the project.
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Before the gradual resumption of operations starts, these detours and alternate routes will continue to be enforced:
The I-80 eastbound exit at number 34 has a detour directed as follows:
- Take exit 34 for Route 15 towards Wharton, Dover, and Sparta.
- Keep to the right for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta/Picatinny Arsenal.
- Follow the signs for North Main Street toward Route 15 north.
- Turn right towards Route 15 northbound.
- Join Route 15 heading north.
- Turnaround at the Pondview Drive traffic light.
- Join Route 15 heading south.
- Leave to merge back onto I-80 eastbound.
Alternate paths through Exit 28:
Drivers are recommended to leave Interstate 80 at Exit 28 and take either Route 10 or Route 46 eastbound to bypass the closed area.
Route 10 eastbound detour:
- Take exit 28 towards Route 46 heading east.
- Proceed onto Route 10 heading east.
- Head up the ramp onto I-287 North.
- Rejoin I-80 eastbound.
Route 46 eastbound detour:
- Take exit 28 for Route 46 eastbound.
- Take a turn to the left at the traffic light to stay on Route 46.
- Option 1: Take a left turn onto Route 15 heading north in Dover to connect with I-80 again.
- Choice 2: Proceed for approximately 12 miles along Route 46 and keep left to access I-80 heading east.
Authorities are cautioning that GPS and mapping applications might direct motorists towards smaller streets not designed for high volumes of traffic, particularly commercial vehicles. Motorists are advised to adhere to posted signage, steer clear of residential areas as alternate routes, and allow additional time for their journeys.
The Transportation Department mentioned they are still collaborating with local authorities and the New Jersey State Police to oversee traffic flow, modify signal timing, and utilize digital signs along with trucking notifications to ensure motorists stay updated.
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com. When will Route 80 be reopened? New Jersey unveils an updated schedule for sinkhole repair work.