21-03-2025
Drone Footage Captures Sinkhole Along New Jersey Highway
A new sinkhole along Interstate 80 in Wharton, New Jersey, forced officials to close all westbound lanes until further notice, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).
The road closure was resulting in significant traffic delays, according to local reports.
The 15-by-15-foot sinkhole was reported shortly after 5 pm on March 19, prompting warnings to drivers about the hazard along the freeway.
This is the third sinkhole reported on the roadway in recent months. The first was reported in December when a ''significant void'': from old iron mines caused a collapse along the eastbound lanes. A second sinkhole formed in February, reports said.
A local historian speaking to radio station NJ101.5 compared the ground in the area to 'Swiss cheese' because of the old mines.
Gov Phil Murphy said: 'We will continue to work around the clock so that New Jersey commuters and families get their lives back on track.'
Murphy had declared a state of emergency in Morris County two weeks ago to address infrastructure damage.
Drone footage of the sinkhole was captured by King Home Inspection Services.
As of Friday afternoon, the NJDOT had not provided an update on when the westbound lanes would reopen. Credit: King Home Inspection Services via Storyful
