Cause of sinkhole on I-80 in NJ revealed

WHARTON, N.J. (PIX11) – The cause of a sinkhole that formed along Interstate 80 in New Jersey Thursday has been revealed.

A 40-foot by 40-foot sinkhole formed on the right shoulder of eastbound I-80 near exit 34 in Wharton in Morris County Thursday morning. 

The sinkhole was caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

There are several abandoned iron mines in the area dating back to the 1800s, according to an official New Jersey state geology information map.

That includes the old Mount Pleasant iron mine, which operated about 25-50 feet away from the sinkhole in Wharton, according to state records.

Jim Hill, the owner of the nearby Knotty Pine Pub in Wharton, said there are mineshafts all over the area and that sinkholes have popped up for years.

I-80 eastbound will remain closed and detoured in the area until further notice while emergency repair work continues on the sinkhole, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Authorities were unable to estimate when the closed section of I-80 will reopen.

Drivers should expect delays in the area and are advised to use alternative routes such as Route 46. For more information on detours, click here.