Detours and congestion: I-80 sinkhole closure puts stress on surrounding communities
News 12 reported this week that the roadway closed indefinitely after another sinkhole opened on the highway near Exit 34.
More Stories
The sinkhole that has closed a portion of I-80 east in Wharton is putting a strain on surrounding municipalities who are dealing with the brunt of congestion, delays and detours.
News 12 reported this week that the roadway closed indefinitely after another sinkhole opened on the highway near Exit 34. Repairs were underway following a previous sinkhole and a separate depression in the road caused by an abandoned mineshaft underneath.
The mayors of Mine Hill and Roxbury told News 12 that the detours are adding putting added stress on their communities.
"The normal rush hour times are just multiplied now and exasperated…particularly for Mine Hill. The trucks trying to get up, traverse this hill," said Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris.
"The corridor here [on Route 46, off I-80] usually takes about 3-4 minutes to go through. With the increased volume, we're about 45 minutes. We're seeing an uptick," said Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo.
There is no timeframe on when I-80 east will reopen.
RELATED: Officials: Water main break causes sinkhole in Lakewood
