Route 80 sinkhole in Wharton NJ timeline: Video
After a second sinkhole caused closures on Rt. 80 in Wharton, NJDOT investigators identified 90 possible instabilities or “voids” under the road.
- Drivers using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze should be careful when traveling near the area of Route 80 impacted by the sinkhole.
- The fastest and most direct routes vary depending on the time of day and the direction of travel.
Vehicle navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze have become increasingly common for drivers who want to ensure they are taking the fastest and/or the most direct route to their destination.
These features are even more useful for Morris County motorists on Route 80, where a sinkhole in Wharton has impacted traffic since Feb. 10 and will continue for at least the next two months.
But the apps are not perfect, and users should be careful about simply plugging in an address and blindly following the directions. Otherwise, they may end up on a different route from what local officials suggest — or even right through the most heavily trafficked area.
As an example, Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong and Broadway in Denville are roughly equal distances from the Route 80 sinkhole near exit 34. The “best” route between the two points is largely dependent on the time of day and the direction of travel, so drivers can get different suggestions based on when they check.
When traveling eastbound, Google Maps displayed three different routes early Tuesday afternoon that all took an estimated 29 minutes. The shortest, totaling 13.2 miles, suggested taking Route 46 eastbound all the way into Denville.
Normally the most direct route, taking Route 80 totaled 14.5 miles when accounting for the exit 34 detour suggested by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Motorists could also take Route 46 to Route 10, a path that came in at 14.6 miles but avoided the Route 80 construction.
When using Waze, the fastest suggested route was roughly the same time as those on Maps but featured another, slightly more complicated way to travel. Drivers were urged to take Route 46 to Berkshire Valley Road, continue onto West Dewey Avenue and East Dewey Avenue, and briefly go onto Route 15 by Costco before getting on Route 80 just past the sinkhole construction.
Because the sinkhole is mainly impacting the eastbound lanes, travelers heading west have a relatively simple ride. Both Google Maps and Waze recommend taking Route 80 from Denville to Netcong, a journey that takes approximately 15 minutes.
For those who do not have navigation apps or just feel more comfortable following official recommendations, the DOT includes a list of detours and alternate routes in press releases relating to the sinkhole.
While the exit 34 detour is in place, the department advised motorists traveling east to take exit 28, several miles before the closure, to either Route 10 or Route 46 and avoid the area altogether. The agency provides a detailed breakdown of the alternate routes.
Route 10 eastbound alternate route:
- Take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure. Continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Stay right to take Route 10 eastbound. Take the exit to I-287 northbound.
- Stay right to take the ramp to I-80 eastbound.
Route 46 eastbound alternate route:
- Take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure. Continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Stay in the two left lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound.
- Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover, back to I-80. Or continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound.
