A huge sinkhole opened up along a major interstate in New Jersey Thursday morning, closing multiple lanes and forcing drivers onto local roads to avoid the sinkhole.
The sinkhole, apparently large enough to swallow several cars, opened on the shoulder of Interstate 80 in Wharton around 7:45 a.m. According to NJ.com.
Construction workers were crowding around Exit 34, hoping to come up with a surprise post-Christmas solution.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Transportation closed eastbound lanes, resulting in lengthy backups and traffic jams on the highway.
“Motorists should expect delays or plan alternate routes,” a DOT news release said.
Authorities said there were no reports of injuries, the outlet said.
Drivers already stranded on the road leading from the town of Wharton into Pennsylvania were advised to avoid the highway and use nearby Route 15 to avoid traffic jams. NBC New York reported.
State officials said detours will be in place until further notice. DOT officials told ABC News. It's too early to know how long it will take workers to repair the gaping hole about 40 miles west of New York City.
Thankfully, due to the holiday, traffic on this busy road is lighter than usual, the official added.
It's unclear what created the sinkhole or why it became so large.
