Sinkhole Snarls Turnpike Near Exit 8

A sinkhole in the New Jersey Turnpike has closed the left northbound lane just south of Interchange 8 since around noon today, Monday, and caused delays of several miles.

As of 5:05 p.m., 511nj.org estimated the backup at 9 miles, adding 20-25 minutes onto the commutes of northbound motorists.

New Jersey Turnpike Authority spokesman Tom Feeney said reports of the hole, located at milepost 64.8 near the Windsor-Perrineville Road overpass, started coming in around noon and that no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Feeney said the sinkhole may be a result of tests that were part of the NJ Turnpike Interchange 6 to 9 Widening Program.

"There was some tests done in connection with the widening," he said.

"We had a problem last June with a sinkhole. They use a directional drill to do the tests and it's possible the drill undermined or disturbed whatever is down there and weakened, I guess, what's beneath the road surface and caused this sinkhole to open," he continued. "It's not something we expect to be a chronic issue."

Feeney said crews have poured concrete into the hole, and that it should set around 7 p.m. After that, he said the crew will add asphalt, and the lane should be usable again tonight, well in time for tomorrow's commute.

In the meantime, the Turnpike Authority advises northbound motorists to find alternate routes around Interchange 8. One possibility is to get off the Turnpike at Interchange 7 and then drive up Route 130 to a point further along the highway.