Sinkhole in New Jersey keeps I-80 closed after section collapses into abandoned mine

Road crews on Friday were repairing a short stretch of Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey, where a sinkhole forced the closure of eastbound lanes, but it was still unclear when they would reopen.

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The highway guardrail still hung in the air above the gaping 12-meter-wide hole, which opened when an abandoned mine collapsed under the highway's right shoulder on Thursday morning, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Road crews are repairing Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey after a sinkhole from an abandoned mine closed eastbound lanes. (WABC-TV)

The sinkhole forced motorists to take a small detour near Wharton, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of New York.

Crews stabilized the area and began excavations. They will work around the clock to repair the roadway, the highway department announced Friday.

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When the eastbound lanes will be put into service depends on the extent of repairs and upcoming weather conditions, the ministry said. Drivers should continue to expect delays and use alternative routes.