I-80 fully reopens June 21 after sinkhole repairs

Matthew Fazelpoor//June 20, 2025//

Gov. Phil Murphy visited Wharton on March 8, 2025, to observe the sinkhole at I-80 East Mile Marker 34. Murphy was joined by other officials to visit the area again March 22 after a new sinkhole opened up. Most recently, Murphy announced June 19 that the repair project is in its final phase and thanked the crews who worked around the clock. - PROVIDED BY JAKE HIRSCH/NJ GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Matthew Fazelpoor//June 20, 2025//

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The basics:

I-80 eastbound fully reopens June 21 after sinkhole repairs
Project near Exit 34 in Wharton ends 4 days ahead of schedule
Repairs followed months of disruption due to old mining shaft
Local leaders and NJDOT praise round-the-clock construction

After months of interruption to repair sinkhole damage, Interstate 80 will fully reopen June 21, four days ahead of schedule.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday that the repair project is in its final phase.

NJBIZ has extensively reported on the situation. Since December 2024, sinkholes have impacted the area around Exit 34 on I-80 in Wharton, Morris County, where they emerged. Those stemmed from an old mining shaft underneath the roadway. Meanwhile, residents, businesses and drivers have felt the impact.

A number of efforts have launched to support businesses in and around the area affected by the shutdown of the major artery. Additionally, crews have worked around-the-clock in the interim to make repairs.

Fixed for the future

In May, two eastbound lanes reopened. Then all lanes on I-80 westbound reopened June 14 — 11 days ahead of schedule.

Friday evening, I-80 eastbound will fully closed as the final paving and striping take place (from 9 p.m. June 20 until 9 a.m. June 21). The move sets the stage for all three I-80 eastbound lanes to reopen Saturday.

“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,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Importantly, 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.

“I also want to thank NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, the NJDOT crews, and the New Jersey State Police who have worked around the clock to open this highway safely.”

Gov. Phil Murphy visited Wharton on March 8, 2025, to observe the sinkhole at I-80 East Mile Marker 34. — Gov. Phil Murphy visited Wharton on March 8 to observe the sinkhole at I-80 East Mile Marker 34. On June 19, the governor said, “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. I also want to thank NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor, the NJDOT crews, and the New Jersey State Police who have worked around the clock to open this highway safely.” – PROVIDED BY JAKE HIRSCH/NJ GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

O’Connor echoed those sentiments. He thanked the governor, officials and key stakeholders as well as the New Jersey Department of Transportation staff and contractors for working and getting to this critical moment.

“With the reopening of all lanes on I-80 eastbound this Saturday, full mobility will be restored on I-80 in both directions ahead of schedule,” said O’Connor. He also thanked the residents, businesses and motorists for their patience. “The repairs are permanent, and I am confident that the highway is now stronger and safer than it was before the first sinkhole developed.

“The engineering and magnitude of work that went into stabilizing and strengthening this road for decades to come is truly remarkable.”

Coming together

Lawmakers who represent the affected area applauded the news. They thanked the NJDOT team and the crews for their efforts.

Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-25th District — Bucco

“Despite some challenging weather last weekend, I’m relieved that I-80 is still on track to fully reopen this weekend,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District. “This has been a long and difficult process, but I’m proud of how our community came together throughout this crisis.

“From commuters and residents to local businesses, everyone worked together and showed tremendous patience.”

While the pain of this closure was felt throughout the district, NJDOT provided a masterclass on project management from beginning to end being able to open ahead of schedule with a beautiful new roadway.
— Assemblyman Christian Barranco

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-25th District, said, “The re-opening of I-80 eastbound ahead of schedule is a testament to the extraordinary commitment of our transportation professionals. Now we turn our focus to the long-term work of strengthening our infrastructure so that we can better prevent emergencies like this.”

Assemblyman Christian Barranco, R-25th District — Barranco

“While the pain of this closure was felt throughout the district, NJDOT provided a masterclass on project management from beginning to end being able to open ahead of schedule with a beautiful new roadway,” said Assemblyman Christian Barranco, R-25th District.

Bucco added, “We’re looking forward to getting things back to normal later this week.”

More information on the project is available here, a special page set up by the NJDOT.