The New Jersey Department of Transportation said traffic is being rerouted after an additional 15 feet x 15 feet sinkhole opened at the median Interstate 80.
The hole is the result of excavation operations in the eastbound work zone of I-80, officials said.
This sinkhole opened near where the construction crew had already worked to secure the existing hole on the east side of the road that spanned the continent.
New Jersey sinkhole leaves I-80 closed after section collapses into a discarded mine
NJDOT first reported a sinkhole in February. This was stabilized the next day, and the crew found another important blank, but was filled with grout.
“The department will continue to evaluate while developing proper designs and repairs. The early indication is that repairs will take at least a few weeks,” NJDOT said in a statement.
The New Jersey Department of Transport says a massive 15-foot sinkhole has opened up at the median Interstate 80, which is already under construction. (New Jersey State Police)
They previously said the I-80 Eastbound was expected to remain closed for two more months as emergency repairs continued, but the new hole could delay further repairs.
“The drilling and grouting work outlines areas that require extensive repairs. We expect to measure progress by the days that take several days to drill and grout each location, rather than the areas that are excavated and grouted daily.” “This phase of repair is expected to take another four weeks, and the entire repair could take about two months.
Grandma, believed to have fallen into a sinkhole while searching for the lost cat: “Never came back.”
Traffic reportedly retreated miles after detours were installed so that NJDOT could assess the situation late in the evening.
Gov. Phil Murphy recently declared a state of emergency to repair his I-80.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently declared a state of emergency with an interstate 80 repair. (AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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Wharton Mayor William Chegwiden said he is doing what he can to mitigate affected areas despite being a federal issue.
“That's not really our problem. It's a federal road, a state road, but with that being said, we have to deal with all the aftermaths that come here and that's what we're doing,” Chegwidden said.
