Interstate 80 has fully reopened through New Jersey after months of repairs and delays due to sinkholes.
The sinkhole problem began in December 2024, at first leading to a brief fix before more holes opened and authorities shut down I-80 eastbound entirely in February.
“I am thrilled to see all lanes of I-80 open safely this weekend so we can ensure that New Jerseyans can get to where they need to go efficiently and safely,” Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday in a statement.
I-80 eastbound reopened in full on Saturday. The westbound lanes reopened June 14.
The extensive delays, beginning in February, created a nightmare route for anyone traveling through Wharton and for residents of the town about 30 miles west of Central Park.
When the project began, officials said the delays would continue indefinitely. But in April, a timeline was set to complete the construction by mid-June.
“I want to thank the thousands of New Jerseyans who have been impacted by these sinkholes for their patience as we worked to secure this roadway,” Murphy said in his statement.
The sinkholes were caused by an abandoned mine under the road — one of 600 such mines throughout New Jersey. When the first sinkhole opened in December, crews tried to patch up the single gap and reopen the highway, only to find more and larger holes opening two months later, forcing the larger operation.
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