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

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

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1 min read
February 20, 2025

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.

Phil Stilton
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Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

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