Route 80 Accident; I-80 East in Morris County Closed Due to Potential Sinkhole; Use Alternate Routes
A potential sinkhole has forced the closure of a section of Interstate 80 East in Morris County, causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area. Officials are urging motorists to seek alternate routes, such as Exit 28 to Route 46 or Route 10, while emergency crews assess and address the situation.
The issue was first identified late last night when reports of pavement cracks and road instability surfaced. Transportation officials quickly dispatched engineers to inspect the affected area, and as a precautionary measure, the decision was made to close a stretch of I-80 East to ensure driver safety.
Sinkholes, which occur due to underground erosion or the collapse of subterranean voids, pose a serious risk to motorists. Given New Jersey’s complex geological composition, coupled with recent heavy rains, experts believe that soil destabilization may have contributed to the formation of this potential sinkhole. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has been closely monitoring the situation and will determine whether additional closures or repairs are necessary.
With I-80 East partially closed, traffic congestion in the area has significantly increased. Commuters and truck drivers are advised to take alternative routes to avoid long delays. NJDOT recommends the following alternate routes:
Exit 28 to Route 46: Route 46 runs parallel to I-80 and can serve as a suitable detour for motorists traveling eastbound.
Route 10: Another viable alternative, Route 10 provides an eastward path that can help alleviate some of the congestion on surrounding roads.
Local police and highway officials have been deployed to manage traffic and assist drivers with detour routes. Digital highway signs have been updated to alert commuters of the closure and provide guidance on the best alternative routes.
Geological experts and NJDOT engineers are currently conducting ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans and soil analysis to assess the extent of the sinkhole threat. Depending on their findings, repairs may range from minor patching to extensive excavation and reinforcement work.
Although there is no official estimate for when the highway will reopen, officials hope to have a clearer timeline within the next 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, travelers are urged to stay informed through NJDOT’s official channels and local traffic reports.
