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Police Bodycam Footage Reveals Initial Moments of Massive I-80 Sinkhole Collapse

The December 2024 sinkhole, linked to an abandoned mineshaft, caused prolonged closures, with partial reopening set for May 21 and full restoration by June 25.

Overview

  • A 40×40 ft sinkhole opened on Interstate 80 in Wharton, NJ, on December 26, 2024, caused by the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft beneath the highway.
  • Police bodycam footage, released in May 2025, shows the immediate aftermath, capturing public shock and the scale of the collapse.
  • Two additional sinkholes emerged in February and March 2025, further complicating repair efforts and extending closures.
  • The New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced that two eastbound lanes will reopen on May 21, with all lanes expected to be operational by June 25.
  • I-80 is a vital transportation corridor, and the closures have disrupted local commutes and freight traffic, highlighting the region's mining-related infrastructure vulnerabilities.