The New Jersey Department of Transportation gave an April 25 update on the work to repair the Interstate 80 sinkholes.

NJBIZ has reported on this situation, which has led to the closure of the major artery in both directions around Exit 34 in Wharton in Morris County.

The NJDOT says that all lanes in both directions are slated to reopen by June 25. The latest status update includes:

• Work to reopen two lanes on I-80 westbound is taking longer than expected. The agency has now slated those lanes to reopen by the end of May, instead of by May 4. Officials say the delay is due to sonic drilling taking longer than expected.
• Work to reopen I-80 eastbound is on schedule. The agency expects two lanes to reopen in mid-May.

The agency noted that work has been going 24 hours a day – including on Easter. Two separate crews have worked concurrently to expedite the repairs. NJDOT added that will continue until the work is complete and the highway reopened.

NJDOT set up a special website to give updates. Information includes the status of the work as well as alternative travel routes and traffic information.

Getting moving

In a press release, Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, said that he fully understands the incredible frustrations that the ongoing sinkhole mess has caused.

“And this latest update regarding the sonic drilling taking longer than expected on the westbound lanes undoubtedly adds to that frustration,” said Bucco, who represents the affected area. “However, the silver lining is the delay will only push back the reopening of the westbound lanes by a couple weeks and the eastbound lanes remain on schedule to reopen mid-May.

“The entire highway, in both directions, is still on track to completely reopen by June 25. I appreciate the NJDOT crews working around the clock, including holidays, to get this critical work done and I will continue pushing for transparency, efficiency, and timely communication until this project is complete – and our communities can get fully moving again.”