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The basics:

• I-80 eastbound reopens two lanes amid major sinkhole repairs
• Westbound lanes expected to partially reopen next week
• Full reopening of I-80 targeted for end of June
• Officials urge caution as area remains an active work zone

Two lanes on Interstate 80 eastbound reopened late Wednesday night following extensive repairs from sinkhole damage.

As NJBIZ has reported, the situation has upended the area. The sinkholes led to a closure in both directions around Exit 34 in Wharton, Morris County, as those repairs continued.

“Reopening two lanes on I-80 eastbound is a major milestone and the first step in restoring full mobility on this critical interstate highway,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “By the end of next week, two lanes on I-80 westbound are scheduled to be reopened – and all lanes should be reopened by the end of June.”

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Fran O’Connor said, “We have all been looking forward to this day – the reopening of I-80 eastbound. I want to thank Gov. Murphy, the local elected officials, and the New Jersey State Police for their support and assistance throughout this emergency project, and especially the residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience.”

O’Connor lauded the efforts of the NJDOT staff and its contractors. He said they worked around-the-clock, seven days a week over the last few months to get this highway reopened.

Legislators praise progress

“I’m happy to see that we are finally nearing the end of this crisis with the scheduled reopening of two eastbound lanes on I-80 later tonight,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, in a May 21 press release. “This has been an incredibly frustrating situation for commuters, residents, and businesses alike – and I want everyone to know that I’ve heard their concerns every step of the way and cannot express just how much your patience has been appreciated during this extremely disruptive time.”

Bucco, who represents the area, thanked NJDOT, its commissioner and crews for their efforts to reach this moment. Other lawmakers who represent the affected area also echoed those sentiments.

“Progress on I-80 is a welcome step forward for our residents, commuters, and small businesses who have shown remarkable patience throughout this disruption,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-25th District. “When government delivers results, people deserve to see it, and this is one of those moments.”

Assemblyman Christian Barranco, R-25th District, said, “With two eastbound lanes opening today after all the headaches endured by the people and work and effort made by NJDOT, the contractors, and workers on-site – we are finally at a moment of progress.”

Caution: Work continues

NJBIZ has reported about the affects to local businesses, as well as the establishment of a grant program to support those enterprises during I-80’s closure.

Officials caution, though, that the area remains an active work zone and advise motorists to slow down and use caution. The NJDOT also says that work continues 24 hours a day until it completes repairs and the highway fully reopens.

An I-80 project page from the NJDOT is available here.

The I-80 westbound detour, utilizing Exit 34B, remains in place. The work zone will have a reduced speed limit to 40 mph on I-80 eastbound.

“It is important for motorists to understand a lot of work remains to be done to reopen two lanes on I-80 westbound next week – and all lanes by June 25,” said O’Connor. “I-80 is still an active work zone. For the safety of our workers and motorists, please slow down and obey the reduced speed limits.”

Murphy added, “I want to commend NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor and the NJDOT crews who have worked tirelessly to make permanent repairs to reopen this highway safely. I also want to thank the New Jersey State Police and the local officials for their partnership in helping manage the traffic diverted to local roadways.

“And most importantly, we are thankful for the patience of the thousands of New Jerseyans who have been impacted by these sinkholes.”