'Not buying it.' Wharton business owner skeptical about I-80 reopening plans
Drone 12 video shows progress since March, but many people still doubt the timeline.
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Crews are still working around the clock on the I-80 sinkhole in Morris County.
Drone 12 video shows progress since March, but many people still doubt the timeline.
The current schedule for I-80 reopening is:
Two eastbound lanes around May 18.
Two westbound lanes by May 31.
Full reopening by June 25.
News 12's Tony Caputo spoke with residents and business owners.
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"I have not been enjoying this at all," said Kylee Leland, of Wharton.
James Hill, of Knotty Pine Pub, echoed the sentiment. "I'm not buying it at all," says Hill.
Over 350 businesses financially affected by sinkholes and the I-80 closure have been able to apply for economic relief through an assistance grant program.
Anyone still hoping to apply for assistance will have to do so online because the physical location set up in the Wharton Municipal Building closed on Wednesday.
Businesses can get anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 to help keep them afloat. Business owners can apply through Jan. 2, 2026.
