WHARTON, N.J. — Two lanes of Interstate 80 westbound in Morris County are set to reopen late Friday night, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, following weeks of sinkhole-related repairs that caused major traffic disruptions.
The affected section, near Exit 34B in Wharton, has been under repair since a sinkhole forced lane closures and detours. Final paving is expected to conclude by Thursday night or early Friday morning, with the road surface requiring adequate time to cool and harden before line striping can begin. A barrier curb will be placed to separate the ongoing median work from traffic.
Once the westbound lanes reopen, the current detour via Exit 34B will be removed. The reopened segment will operate with reduced speed limits, set at 45 mph, and will utilize the right lane and shoulder to maintain two lanes of traffic while work continues in the median.
“All lanes in both directions on schedule to reopen by June 25,” the NJDOT stated in a press release. The department added that updates will be provided once the lanes are officially open.
Eastbound lanes on I-80 were reopened last week, on May 21, and the eastbound detour was removed. The posted speed limit in the eastbound work zone remains 40 mph.
Median repairs continue around the clock
Crews have completed concrete pours on all six median slabs and are moving to the sealant application phase. Weather conditions may affect progress, as sealant work and asphalt paving are both temperature and moisture sensitive. The median repair area poses logistical challenges, as it requires maneuvering workers and materials in a narrow space flanked by active traffic lanes.
Work in the median is slower than the repairs on either side of the highway. However, NJDOT reports the full reopening remains on track for June 25. Crews will continue operating around the clock to meet that goal.
Travelers are urged to exercise caution in this active work zone. NJDOT has emphasized that maintaining safety for workers and motorists remains a priority during the ongoing construction.
To monitor travel times and construction updates, motorists are encouraged to visit www.511NJ.org. A new I-80 travel time page has been added to offer real-time information about detours and alternate routes.
I-80 in Wharton is expected to see partial relief as two westbound lanes reopen after sinkhole-induced closures.
