Wharton residents getting restless as I-80 sinkhole repairs, traffic continue
Although the DOT announced a new detour pattern last month, residents say not much has changed and the detours continue to extend commutes everywhere
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Wharton residents are growing impatient after a month of traffic woes as the New Jersey Department of Transportation continues repairs on Interstate 80.
“How long does it take to fix a bridge?” asked resident Sally Saffarally.
“Trust me, I would not be moving here if I knew this was happening,” said Anthony Vasile, from Rockaway.
Although the DOT announced a new detour pattern last month, residents say not much has changed and the detours continue to extend commutes everywhere from school to shopping.
Officials have repeatedly said there’s no immediate danger, despite repeated sinkholes and 90 “areas of concern.”
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DOT leaders said Saturday that it is closing in on the area that needs more extensive repair, but they haven’t put a specific timeline on it.
Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo said that preliminary plans are complete for a crossover lane that would ease traffic - and not a moment too soon.
“Everybody says it's three weeks, or a month, or two months, but I don't know if anything's actually happening,” Saffarally said.
“I don't expect it to be fixed anytime soon,” said Vasile.
News 12 was told that the DOT will be providing an update Friday afternoon.
There is no word yet on the status of the emergency federal funding, which the governor requested Saturday by declaring a State of Emergency.
