WHARTON, NJ –GovernorPhil Murphy(as of March 8, 2025) has officiallydeclared a State of Emergency in Morris Countyfollowing the discovery of multiple sinkholes onInterstate 80 eastbound near Exit 34. The declaration enables the state toapply for emergency relief fundingfrom theFederal Highway Administration (FHWA)to assist with theongoing repairs and stabilization efforts.
During asite visit to the affected area, Governor Murphy was joined byNew Jersey State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Fran O’Connor, state legislators, and local officialsto assess the damage and discussfederal assistance for repairs.
“For several weeks now, the residents of Wharton and commuters all across New Jersey, have endured major delays and disruptions as a result of the sinkholes that have opened up here on I-80,”saidGovernorMurphy. “By declaring a State of Emergency in Morris County, we can take the first step toward accessing federal funding to help us to repair this damage. While there is no immediate danger to the public, we will continue to do everything we can to help New Jersey commuters and families can get their lives back on track.”
The crisis began onDecember 26, 2024, when anabandoned mine beneath the eastbound shoulder of I-80 collapsed, creating ahazardous sinkholein the area ofWharton, Morris County. The initial collapse forcedthe closure of eastbound lanes at Exit 34 for four days, severely disruptingtransportation and commerce.
Asecond sinkholewas discovered onFebruary 10, 2025, requiring additionalstabilization measures and another lane closure. Since then,NJDOT crews have been working continuouslyto assess the underlyinggeophysical risks, includingvoids and loose soil formationsthat could lead to further collapses.
OnFebruary 26, 2025, anew and significant underground voidwas identifiedbeneath the center lane of I-80 eastbound, prompting anextended closure of multiple lanesuntil the area could be deemed safe for travel.
“Safety is our primary concern – for the crews working around the clock, for the motorists that have been impacted, and for the residents and businesses in the neighboring communities. As the proactive drilling and grouting continues, we are narrowing in on the area that will require a more extensive repair,”NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said.
Governor Murphy’sExecutive Order No. 383, signed onMarch 8, 2025, formally recognizes thesevere infrastructure threat posed by the sinkholes and voids under I-80. The order:
Thesinkhole-related lane closureshave resulted inmajor traffic disruptions, with vehicles beingrerouted off I-80 at Exit 34 or diverted to an alternate route at Exit 28. The increased congestion onlocal roadshas placed additional strain onmunicipal and county infrastructure.
Local officials inWharton and surrounding areashave expressed concerns about thelong-term impact on businesses, emergency response times, and daily commuting patterns. The emergency funding request is seen asa crucial step toward securing the necessary resources for a permanent solution.
“I saw firsthand this morning the huge impact this highway closure is having on Morris County towns along I-80,”said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “This is a serious issue that we have to work together at all levels of government to fix and safety of our residents is our shared priority here. I will be advocating daily for all federal resources necessary to get I-80 restored to full capacity. As reconstruction efforts continue, I am also going to work with state and local officials to come up with transportation alternatives in the mean time. I think NJ Transit should offer residents in these towns some temporary incentives to use transit as an alternative for travel both east and westbound. I will be looking more into that this week. We need to help these communities get through this.”
NJDOT crews have been workingaround the clocktostabilize the roadway, assess underground conditions, and mitigate further risks. Efforts include:
WithExecutive Order No. 383 in effect, the state will nowawait a response from the Federal Highway Administrationregarding the emergency relief request. If approved, federal funding could helpaccelerate repairs, minimize economic disruption, and improve road safetyforthousands of daily commuterson I-80.
In the meantime,drivers are urged to follow detour signs, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on NJDOT advisories. The state will continue tomonitor the situation closelyand provideregular updates on the repair timeline.
“On behalf of the Mayor and council, we would like to express our gratitude to those who are working on the structural repairs on Rt 80,”said Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden and Council President Robert Norton in a joint statement.“We know it’s a monumental task that will take time and resources to ensure integrity and safety to all our citizens.”
TheI-80 sinkhole crisis in Morris Countyunderscores the importance ofproactive infrastructure maintenance and emergency response coordination. Governor Murphy’sdeclaration of a State of Emergencyandfederal funding requestreflect the state’s commitment toaddressing the hazards swiftly and ensuring public safety. As NJDOT continues itsstabilization work, Morris County residents and commuters will need to adapt to thetemporary disruptionswhilelong-term solutionsare put in place.
For further updates, motorists can check theNJDOT websiteor usereal-time traffic appsto navigate the affected area safely.