Roadwork, repairs at sinkhole.
Roadwork, repairs at sinkhole.

I-80 Sinkhole Causing Major Delays as North Jersey Commute Backs Up

ELIZABETH, N.J. — Multiple traffic incidents, including crashes, sinkholes, and emergency construction, disrupted major roadways across New Jersey on Tuesday morning, leading to lane closures and significant delays.

A crash on US 1&9 northbound near Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth at 8:34 a.m. resulted in the closure of one left lane. Another crash occurred on US 1 southbound in Edison Township, just south of I-287, closing a left lane as of 8:01 a.m.

At 7:41 a.m., emergency construction and a sinkhole forced the full closure and detour of all lanes on I-80 eastbound at Exit 34 for NJ 15 in Wharton. Crews have been working to repair the damage, with officials recently identifying 90 underground holes beneath the highway.

A water main break on NJ 71 south of NJ 36 in West Long Branch at 7:01 a.m. led to intermittent lane closures, with authorities urging caution in the area. Another water main break on the 14th Street Service Road in Jersey City at 6:42 a.m. temporarily shut down all westbound lanes.

Meanwhile, at 8:25 a.m., the Terminal 4 Blue Parking lot at John F. Kennedy International Airport reached full capacity. At 8:33 a.m., delays were reported on the New Jersey Turnpike – Hudson County Extension eastbound near Interchange 14 due to heavy traffic volume.

New Jersey commuters faced a morning of severe disruptions as authorities worked to clear road hazards and repair critical infrastructure.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.