Route 80 now shut down in both directions after another sinkhole

Interstate 80 in Wharton is now closed in both directions because another sinkhole has been discovered, according to local authorities.

Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen posted on Facebook just before 6 p.m.: “ROUTE 80 WESTBOUND CLOSED!!! Area mayors were just advised that NJ DOT had just shut down all westbound lanes to Route 80 West due to another sinkhole being found.”

The New Jersey Department of Transportation confirmed the additional sinkhole around 8 p.m. with a post on X: “A 15-foot by 15-foot hole opened up in the median in the I-80 eastbound work zone. Out of an abundance of caution, NJDOT closed & detoured I-80 westbound at Exit 34B/Route 15 north.”

The NJDOT said it was still “evaluating the situation.”

The New Jersey State Police posted that motorists should seek alternate routes and to expect delays in the area.

State Sen. Anthony Bucco said that he was told that workers hit another sinkhole while doing prep work for the Route 80 crossover.

“It’s gonna be a mess,” Bucco said.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Route 80 closed in both directions by new sinkhole in Wharton NJ