NJ traffic: Collapsed abandoned mineshaft caused giant sinkhole that shut down part of I-80 in Wharton, NJ

WHARTON, New Jersey (WABC) — The collapse of an abandoned mineshaft is the cause of a massive 40-foot-by-40-foot sinkhole that has shut down part of Interstate 80 (I-80) in New Jersey, according to the State Department of Transportation.

The sinkhole opened up around 7:45 a.m. Thursday just past Exit 34 in Wharton, swallowing a portion of the shoulder and encroaching on the right lane going eastbound.

The DOT says an abandoned mineshaft under the highway collapsed, causing the massive sinkhole.

Construction crews were originally hoping to fill the hole by the end of Thursday, but the discovery of the shaft, in addition to the forecasted rainy weather this weekend, is likely to make the repairs more complicated.

I-80 East in this area will remain closed until further notice. Drivers should plan to take the following detours that remain in place:

I-80 eastbound Detour:

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta

• Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta

• Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover

• Merge onto Route 15 southbound

• Stay left to take the exit 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

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