• The New Jersey Department of Transportation reopened two lanes on Interstate 80 eastbound in Wharton that had been closed by a sinkhole at 10 p.m. on May 21.
• “Reopening two lanes on I-80 eastbound is a major milestone and the first step in restoring full mobility on this critical interstate highway,” said Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.

As promised, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reopened two lanes on Interstate 80 eastbound in Wharton on May 21. The highway had been closed by a sinkhole and subsequent repairs.

“Two of three lanes are open on eastbound Interstate I-80 through Exit 34,” 511NJ.org said around 10 p.m.

“Reopening two lanes on I-80 eastbound is a major milestone and the first step in restoring full mobility on this critical interstate highway,” said Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.

Murphy thanked the NJDOT, the State Police and local officials. “And most importantly, we are thankful for the patience of the thousands of New Jerseyans who have been impacted by these sinkholes,” he said.

In a release, the NJDOT said the eastbound detour at Exit 34 will be removed.

“We have all been looking forward to this day – the reopening of I-80 eastbound,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “None of this would have been possible without the incredible effort of the NJDOT staff and our contractors for working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for several months to get this highway reopened. The amount of work that has gone into this project is simply astounding.”

When will Route 80 west reopen?

The work on the westbound lanes of Route 80 is progressing and the NJDOT said it expects two lanes to reopen by the end of the next week.

On the 80 west lanes, the concrete slabs are curing now before a sealant can be applied. After that, paving can begin, the NJDOT said.

The highway will then be striped and a “barrier curb will be installed to separate the median work zone from the two lanes of traffic, which will be utilizing the right lane and the shoulder as a travel lane,” the release said.

When all Route 80 lanes reopen?

The DOT expects all lanes to reopen on June 25 as it continues to repair the sinkhole in the median.

Crews are working on rebar installation and framing, while concrete pours have begun on some of the six median slabs, the NJDOT said. After all the concrete has cured, a sealant will be applied and then paving can be done.

What they are saying

“I’m happy to see that we are finally nearing the end of this crisis with the scheduled reopening of two eastbound lanes on I-80 later tonight,” Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco said in the release Wednesday. “This has been an incredibly frustrating situation for commuters, residents, and businesses alike, and I want everyone to know that I’ve heard their concerns every step of the way and cannot express just how much your patience has been appreciated during this extremely disruptive time.”

“Progress on I-80 is a welcome step forward for our residents, commuters, and small businesses who have shown remarkable patience throughout this disruption,” Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn said. “I am grateful to NJDOT and the dedicated crews working around the clock to keep this critical project on track. When government delivers results, people deserve to see it, and this is one of those moments.”

“With two eastbound lanes opening today after all the headaches endured by the people and work and effort made by NJDOT, the Contractors, and workers on-site, we are finally at a moment of progress,” Assemblyman Christian Barranco said. “This is a delicate time where we need to be especially cautious of the conditions around the newly opened roadway. Take advantage of progress but remain vigilant. The area of the sinkhole is still an ongoing construction effort.”

Check back for updates to this developing story.