I-80 Emergency Update from Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

The information below courtesy of Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

New Sinkhole and Extended Repairs

Dear Residents,

I am writing to provide you with the latest information regarding the ongoing sinkhole repairs on I-80. As many of you know, this issue has caused significant disruptions, and I continue to work closely with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to ensure the repairs move forward safely and efficiently.

New Sinkhole on Westbound I-80

On March 19, 2025, a new sinkhole, measuring 15 by 15 feet and about 20-25 feet deep, emerged on the westbound side of I-80 near Exit 34. Thankfully, no injuries have occurred, and the hole has been temporarily stabilized. However, further repairs are required to fully address the issue.

The presence of a mine approximately 200-300 feet beneath the roadway is identified as the central cause of these sinkholes, and the NJDOT is committed to ensuring that both short-term fixes and long-term solutions are in place to secure the roadway.

Testing and Continued Work

In light of the new sinkhole, additional testing on the westbound side is now underway. NJDOT crews have halted non-essential roadwork across the state to focus all resources on this critical repair. In addition, the DOT Commissioner has been in touch with federal and neighboring state DOTs to collaborate on traffic flow management and resource sharing.

Changes to the Crossover Plan

The planned crossover to temporarily shift eastbound traffic onto the westbound side to alleviate congestion is now on hold as the DOT completes testing and assessment on the westbound lanes. Once testing is completed, the crossover plan will be reconsidered.

What You Need to Know

In the meantime, NJDOT continues to coordinate with local officials to ensure that alternate routes for detours are as effective as possible, and I am in direct contact with mayors to address community-specific needs. Detour routes and updates are being provided through digital notices, including alerts to truck drivers about closures.

I am also exploring urgent legislative solutions to ensure that local businesses and municipalities impacted by these extended closures have access to necessary resources, including potential financial assistance to help mitigate the effects of this prolonged disruption.

Thank You for Your Patience

I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as this critical repair work continues. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and my office is available to help with any questions or concerns.

Please stay safe and plan ahead for travel. For real-time updates, visit 511nj.org.

Sincerely,

Aura K. Dunn