NJ sinkhole on Route 80 disrupting traffic, local businesses: 'We lose what we have'
NJ sinkhole disrupts traffic, hurts businesses
A massive sinkhole on Route 80 near Exit 34 in Wharton, New Jersey is creating major traffic problems and devastating nearby small businesses. Commuters are stuck, and local business owners say they’re losing customers fast. Governor Phil Murphy says repairs on the westbound lanes could still take several weeks, with the eastbound side possibly closed for another two months. FOX 5's Teresa Priolo reports from the scene.
NEW JERSEY - The massive sinkhole on Route 80 in Wharton, NJ, is not only creating some major traffic headaches in the area, but it's also impacting business at nearby stores and restaurants.
Sinkhole on Route 80
Local perspective:
Traffic on the eastbound side is forcing vehicles onto other roadways such as routes 15 and 46. That's where you'll find the Red Hut Diner.
"They're coming from everywhere," said owner Vasilios Staikos. "You know they're coming from the woodworks because you know, everybody starting to find a new way.
Massive sinkhole shuts down I-80 in NJ
A massive new sinkhole has opened up on I-80 near Exit 34 in Wharton, New Jersey, creating even more traffic problems for drivers already dealing with months of delays. Fox 5’s Richard Giacovas reports live from the scene, where NJDOT crews are working around the clock to repair the roadway—but it could take much longer than expected.
Vasilios and his family have owned the diner for 10 years, and while you'd think extra traffic might be good for business, it's not.
"We lose what we have, forget to get the new clients," Vasilios said. "As I said, you know the person who's on the highway is not going to stop. You know he's going, where is he going? You know, because if it takes them like half an hour to go where it goes, now it takes them two or three hours, he's not going to stop for coffee or have breakfast."
Meanwhile, Rockaway Townsquare is offering discounts at all their stores, reminding people they're still open for business.
Route 80 sinkhole update
What they're saying:
"You got two issues here," NJ Gov. Phil Murphy said. "One is commuters who are getting crushed. Hopefully the NJ Transit piece can play a small role. The other is small businesses in the area getting crushed."
It's been three weeks since the latest sinkhole was found near exit 34, and everytime, it seems like the Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is getting an upper hand, another sinkhole emerges.
"We were hoping tests would show that the westbound lanes, we could open a couple of those maybe as early as this week," Murphy said. "That's not going to happen unfortunately, that's probably another four or five weeks."
What's next:
The governor says the Small Business Administration can help struggling businesses with low-interest loans. He also said the state’s Economic Development Authority is trying to pitch in.
The state is considering legal action because the highway was built on unstable ground.
The backstory:
The first sinkhole was detected on Feb.10, leading to the closure of the eastbound lanes.
Why Does This Keep Happening?:
According to the NJDOT, the ground beneath I-80 is unstable due to voids left by old mines that were closed and paved over. Over time, the underground spaces give way, leading to recurring sinkholes.
Live NJ traffic map and alternate routes
Below you'll find a live traffic map from NJ511. Click here if you're having trouble viewing the map.