DOT: New void discovered under I-80 delays reopening of westbound lanes
DOT officials say that all westbound lanes will remain closed and detoured at Exit 34B for the time being.
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The westbound lanes of Interstate 80 will remain closed in Wharton after another “significant void” was discovered under the left lane of the highway, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
DOT officials say that all westbound lanes will remain closed and detoured at Exit 34B for the time being. It was originally believed that the westbound lanes would be opening by the end of this week.
But officials now say that it could be as long as five weeks before the westbound lanes reopen.
Meanwhile, repairs continue on the eastbound lanes, where three sinkholes have formed since December. The DOT says that repairs could take up to seven weeks to complete.
RELATED: I-80 sinkhole detours cause headaches for residents of surrounding towns
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“As we have said since these issues began, safety is our top priority and we must ensure that the roadway is safe for motorists before we can reopen,” Gov. Phil Murphy wrote in a statement.
DOT officials say that two separate crews are working concurrently on repairs – one on the eastbound side and one on the westbound side of the highway. They say the crews are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Some owners of businesses located near the sinkholes have told News 12 that the construction and detours have impacted their business. Some say it is worse than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Another week, we cannot survive,” says Dimos Paxos, owner of Townsquare Diner. “We need some help. State, federal – I don’t know where it is coming from, but we need it.”
State lawmakers say they are working to get help for the owners through the “Road to Relief Bill.” Wharton officials also say they plan to hold a business support meeting on Monday.
The DOT has created an I-80 construction website with information about the status of the repairs and detours.
