Businesses affected by I-80 sinkhole saga aim to bounce back as roadway reopens
The major highway was shut down to repair a series of sinkholes that started appearing last December and kept developing.
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It’s a sigh of relief for those who travel on Interstate 80 in Wharton – all lanes have reopened four days ahead of schedule.
The major highway was shut down to repair a series of sinkholes that started appearing last December and kept developing.
Small businesses that lost money during the ordeal are hoping the repairs will lead to more customers. The owner of Krauszer's Food Store on Route 15 says he lost about $35,000 a month during the five-month closure.
RELATED: DOT: All lanes on I-80 now open in Wharton following monthslong sinkhole repairs
"We are the ones who are really struggling. We're not like the big businesses that have millions…and can survive this,” said owner Hamad Khalil. “During this whole time, I wasn't confident I was going to stay open. I was considering closing...This is my livelihood right now."
RELATED: Gov. Murphy: I-80 expected to fully reopen in Wharton on Saturday, Gov. Murphy says.
RELATED: DOT: 3 westbound lanes on I-80 expected to reopen in Wharton
