WHARTON, N.J. — A significant sinkhole appeared on Thursday along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey, prompting local authorities to shut down the eastbound lanes of this vital highway.

The sinkhole was identified early Thursday morning near the town of Wharton, located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) from New York City.

Recovery teams were assessing the situation to determine the necessary repairs for the sizeable hole that formed on the highway’s right shoulder. According to a spokesperson from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Steve Schapiro, it is currently unclear how long the repair process will take.

Interestingly, the road closure coincides with a reduction in traffic, attributed to the ongoing holiday season. Schapiro stated that motorists are being rerouted through a brief detour, allowing them to return to the interstate, which serves as a crucial link between northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania.