"Void" found near sinkholes on I-80, New Jersey DOT says
A new problem has been discovered on I-80 in Wharton, New Jersey, near two sinkholes that were found on the highway earlier this month and in December.
New Jersey State Police spotted a dimple in the road, leading to the discovery of what the Department of Transportation says is a "void."
"Initial testing revealed a void under the eastbound lanes. It is not a sinkhole. A void is an empty space or cavity that exists underground. A sinkhole is an opening or depression on the surface," the DOT told CBS News New York.
Officials said there are now 135 potential voids in the area, which is riddled with abandoned mines. It has complicated efforts to get the eastbound lanes repaired and reopened.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco said the state DOT "is doing everything it can to map this out. They are doing exactly what needs to be done to make sure the road is safe."
NJDOT initially said repairs on I-80 would take about three weeks to complete, but due to this new problem, they are now expected to take longer, Bucco said. Crews are doing additional testing to determine the extent of the damage.
Eastbound lanes of I-80 have been closed at Exit 34 in Wharton since Feb. 10 after a depression was observed in the road. The depression later opened up into a sinkhole.
Help coming for impacted businesses impacted, Bucco says
Lots of local businesses have been hurt by all the I-80 closure traffic.
Most of it goes right by Pop's Bagel Shop in Wharton. Owner Yaz Muheisen said the congestion is keeping many regulars away, adding sales are down almost 30%.
"Well, all of our locals live on the other side of town, and it really is a pain to get here, which is understandable. But we do miss seeing them," Muheisen said.
Rob Leigh braved the traffic.
"This is a nice, family-owned business that I've been frequenting for many years, and I know they're hurting. I know the traffic is a little bit less at this time of day, so I just came down here to show my support," Leigh said.
Bucco said the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is planning to host a seminar in the Wharton area to help businesses find some relief.
"That is going to occur in the near future, and the EDA will be here with representatives that will be able to walk these small businesses through what grants or loan programs are available at the state level to help them through this difficult time," Bucco said.
Detours set up around I-80 sinkhole
The latest detours urge drivers to use North Main street to Route 15 North or take Exit 28 to Routes 10 or 46.
I-80 eastbound Exit 34 detour:
- Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- At the end of the ramp, stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta/Picatinny Arsenal
- Stay in the right lane on North Main Street following signs for Route 15 North/Jefferson/Sparta
- Bear right toward Route 15 northbound/Picatinny Arsenal
- At the traffic signal, merge onto Route 15 northbound
- Stay left, following signs for Pondview Drive/U and Left Turns
- Using both lanes, make a U-turn at the Pondview Drive traffic signal and merge onto Route 15 southbound
- Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound
Route 10 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 right to take Route 10 eastbound
- Take the exit to I-287 northbound
- Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound
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
For the latest update from the DOT, CLICK HERE.
