New sinkhole on Interstate 80 causes detours and traffic chaos in New Jersey

A new sinkhole on Interstate 80 (I-80) in Wharton, New Jersey has forced the closure of the road in both directions, generating detours and vehicle congestion in the area.

The incident, reported Wednesday, adds to a series of similar problems that have affected this important roadway since last December.

According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the hole, measuring approximately 4.5 x 4.5 meters, opened in the center median during a drilling operation.

Authorities have indicated that all lanes will remain closed Thursday, redirecting vehicular flow onto local roads at the intersection with Route 15.

Area residents have expressed frustration over the disruptions. Sharon Bock, of Jefferson Township, described the situation as "total chaos" in front of her home, noting that her grandchildren are unable to take the school bus and are late for classes daily. "It's just unbearable" she said. For her part, Nikki Carpenter, of Rockaway, noted that traffic has been "horrible" and that drivers are becoming increasingly impatient, according to CBS News.

The sinkhole is the latest in a series of incidents attributed to the collapse of old abandoned mine shafts under I-80, specifically between Exit 34 and the bridge over Route 15.

The collapse occurred in a section that was already under repair, with workers and machinery present at the site. Authorities had estimated that repairs to the existing sinkholes would take at least two more months, although it is not yet known whether this new incident will extend that time frame.

For his part, the governor, Phil Murphy, had previously declared a state of emergency to expedite repairs on I-80 and facilitate access to federal funds.

However, Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden stressed that, although the road is a state and federal responsibility, the consequences fall on local communities. "We have to deal with all the aftermath that comes around here, and that's what we've been doing," he said, expressing concern about the wear and tear on local roads due to diverted traffic.

"I can't even imagine what they're gonna look like when it's done, because we're not used to this kind of traffic," he added.

At the moment, there is no clear estimate on the duration of the closure or whether it will affect plans to reconfigure lanes between the eastbound and westbound directions of I-80. In the meantime, drivers and residents in and around Wharton face a scenario of uncertainty and congestion.