I-80 Reopens Early After Multiple Sinkhole Repairs

All lanes of I-80 in Wharton, New Jersey, are set to reopen this Saturday, four days ahead of schedule, after months of closures caused by multiple sinkholes from an abandoned mine collapse last December. Eastbound lanes will close Friday night for final paving and striping, reopening at 9 a.m. Saturday, with detours at Exit 34. Westbound lanes reopened last week, 11 days earlier than planned. Governor Phil Murphy and NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor thanked commuters and praised the crews for their round-the-clock efforts, assuring the public that the repairs are permanent and have strengthened the highway. The repair project is estimated to cost over $25 million, with federal assistance sought for funding. The prolonged closure had a significant impact on local businesses and commuters, but full access to I-80 will be restored this weekend.