WHARTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announcedupdated timelinesfor permanent repairs on Interstate 80 in Morris County, as crews continue emergency restoration work following earlier structural concerns that led to lane closures in both directions.
While progress continues on long-term repairs toI-80 eastboundin Wharton, NJDOT reports thatI-80 westboundwill remain closed atExit 34Bafter inspections revealed a substantial void beneath the left lane. The closure affects all westbound lanes, which will remain shut until repairs can be completed.
According to NJDOT, if construction continues as scheduled:
Two eastbound lanesare expected to reopen inapproximately seven weeks, with full eastbound capacity restored shortly thereafter.
Final design plansfor the westbound repairs are expected to be completednext week, with construction starting soon after.Two westbound lanesmay reopen withinfive weeks, followed by the remaining lanes.
To accelerate progress,two separate construction crewswill operate around the clock on both eastbound and westbound sections. The effort is part of an intensive 24/7 operation to reopen the critical corridor as soon as safely possible.
“As we continue to work 24/7 to repair I-80, unfortunately, testing revealed another significant void in the left lane of I-80 westbound,”Governor Phil Murphy said. “As we have said since these issues began, safety is our top priority and we must ensure that the roadway is safe for motorists before we can reopen. I am confident in the plan Commissioner Fran O’Connor and his team have put together to get this critical roadway repaired and reopened.”
In response to the extended disruption,Governor Phil Murphypreviously declared aState of Emergency in Morris Countyto support a federal request for emergency relief funding. Additionally,NJ TRANSITis offering a50% discount on roundtrip faresfor travelers impacted by the I-80 closures. The discount will remain in effect throughout the duration of the highway repairs.
“The good news is the permanent long-term repair on I-80 eastbound is progressing. If no other problems arise, we expect to reopen at least two lanes in the eastbound direction by mid-May,”NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Unfortunately, the discovery of another significant void requires I-80 westbound to remain closed to ensure public safety. If repairs continue as planned, two westbound lanes should reopen in early May.”
“Today’s update from the NJDOT provided key insights into the I-80 situation. The westbound lanes remain closed, but the NJDOT is advancing a permanent solution on both sides, aiming for completion of the westbound side in 5 weeks and 7 weeks on the east bound side. Obviously, this is subject to change as the repairs continue,”Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) said. “Additionally, I met with the NJEDA and, along with my colleagues in the 25th Legislative District, are working to develop a grant program for businesses affected by the I-80 shutdown. I stressed that this program should mirror COVID-19 relief, which the NJEDA is responsive to and we expect more details by the middle of next week. The NJEDA will be in Wharton on Monday to further assist the business community.”
To support public awareness and minimize travel disruption, NJDOT has launched anI-80 project web pagewith information on repair progress, detour routes, and alternate travel options. Real-time traffic updates andcurrent travel timeson detour and alternate routes are available atwww.511NJ.org.
Motorists are advised to consult the NJDOT traffic website regularly for updates on construction progress and route advisories.