Sinkhole on Route 80 in New Jersey raises concerns over abandoned Revolutionary War mines

nj1015.com February 11, 2025, 07:00 PM UTC

A large sinkhole has formed on Route 80 in Wharton, New Jersey, following another sinkhole in December. Both are linked to abandoned mines from the Revolutionary War, with old maps providing unclear information about their depth and location. Geologist William Kroth noted that many mines were not properly capped, leading to instability. The New Jersey Department of Transportation is conducting tests to assess the sinkhole's extent and will work around the clock to repair the road. The recent sinkhole is 75 feet from the previous one, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety near these old mines. There is currently no timeline for when the road will reopen.


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Timeline:

  1. [1.8]
    New depression closes I-80 east in New Jersey for second time in two months (nj.com)
    1d 6h
    Source
  2. [2.0]
    New sinkhole closes eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in New Jersey (nypost.com)
    1d 13h
    Source
  3. [1.8]
    I-80 in Wharton closed for investigation of new roadway depression (abc7ny.com)
    1d 17h
    Source
  4. [1.6]
    Depression prompts closure of Route 80 in New Jersey following December sinkhole (nj1015.com)
    1d 18h
    Source