A sinkhole that opened up Thursday along Interstate 80 in North Jersey forced authorities to close the heavily traveled highway's eastbound lanes.

The sinkhole was discovered Thursday around 7:45 a.m. near Exit 34 in Wharton.

Crews were evaluating how to repair the sinkhole, which left a gaping depression along the highway's right shoulder.

It's too soon to know how long the repairs will take, according to Steve Schapiro, a spokesperson with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The closure comes at a time when traffic is lighter than normal because of the holidays, Schapiro said.

Motorists were being directed to take a short detour before they were able to get back on the interstate, which connects northern New Jersey with Pennsylvania.

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure

• Continue on Route 46 eastbound

• Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound

• Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover back to I-80

or

• Continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound

• Motorists on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta

• Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta

• Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover

• Merge onto Route 15 southbound

• Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound