3 months marked since first sinkhole opened on I-80 in Morris County
Gov. Phil Murphy says the eastbound side could still take at least six weeks plus to open back up.
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Wednesday marked three months since the first sinkhole opened up on Interstate 80 in Wharton.
Two more sinkholes developed since then, causing traffic, a loss of business and fear for some.
"Our folks think they can open to westbound lanes by the end of the week. That’s going to be subject to testing," said Gov. Phil Murphy.
Murphy says the eastbound side could still take at least six weeks to open back up.
The governor also stated on News 12's “Ask Gov. Murphy” program that with NJ Transit offering a 50% discount roundtrip fare, they saw about 130 more riders.
Murphy says this project is costing $200,000 a day. So far, there is no federal aid, just federal technical assistance.
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Local businesses in the area say they are suffering.
"We are seeing over time its just going down, down, down and of course, we are new so the money invested, its a lot," said Vincent Leone, owner of Norte 175.
"I live for my tips, so it's like a really, really bad situation for me," said Valaria Restropo, waiter at Colossal Restaurant.
Lawmakers are trying to help.
The "Road to Tax Relief Act" would give tax credits for certain businesses impacted by public highway projects, like the sinkhole repair work on Interstate 80.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Sen. Anthony Bucco introduced this bill after learning that stores are 20% to 30% down on their revenue.
"It's an emergency measure, so we're hoping that it can go through quickly," said Dunn.
