An end may be in sight for the emergency road work on Interstate 80 as crews repair the westbound and eastbound lanes around the clock.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation says two westbound lanes on I-80 are expected to reopen in one month. News 12 spoke to residents about the situation as heavy traffic continues around the county.
Detour traffic and trucks on local roads seem to be top concerns as repairs continue.
"It's disrupting the traffic on Route 46 and 10. Much more traffic, tractor-trailers going by through the houses now," said one local man.
With previous timeline changes, some residents told me they are doubtful lanes will open up next month. It was only last week when a significant new void was discovered.
"I just don't see it happening in four weeks. It just seems like there's a lot of issues," said one resident.
NJDOT shared an updated timeline of when lanes on I-80 could reopen. The first target date for two westbound lanes to reopen is May 4. If the project remains on schedule, the next deadline is May 18 with two eastbound lanes expected to reopen. Then, all lanes are expected to be restored in both directions on June 25.
"It will take time. And each time they get to the point where it seems to be done, it seems to take longer, so I think most people are trying to find alternate routes," said a local woman.
A state Assembly member for the district told News 12 she believes the timeline is looking good. NJDOT says crews are working 24 hours a day on the roadway.