New Jersey sinkhole: Photos show 40-foot-deep depression on Interstate 80
The sinkhole formed after a section of the right lane and shoulder collapsed on the busy highway near Wharton.
A massive sinkhole formed Thursday off the shoulder of a heavily trafficked interstate highway in New Jersey, forcing motorists to take detours to avoid the area.
The sinkhole formed after a section of the right lane and shoulder collapsed near the Wharton exit on Interstate 80 eastbound, about 40 miles west of New York City. Officials estimated that the depression stretched 40 feet wide and 40 feet deep.
As of Thursday, all lanes of I-80 eastbound were closed, forcing travelers to find alternate routes, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The department had not released an update as of early Friday morning, and it remains unclear what caused the sinkhole to form.
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Photos show snarled traffic and crews at the scene evaluating the extent of the damage. Here's a look:
See photos of New Jersey sinkhole
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com.
Email: lcomstock@njherald.com; Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH or on Facebook.