A large sinkhole has forced the sudden closure of a portion of the Garden State Parkway in two New Jersey counties, leaving thousands of drivers frustrated and causing major delays.
The affected stretch runs through Middlesex and Union counties, and the closure has hit both northbound and southbound lanes in some areas.
According to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the sinkhole was discovered during early morning hours on Friday near the area between Exit 131 and Exit 135. As soon as the issue was reported, crews arrived on the scene and closed off the road for safety reasons.
Officials say the damage appears to be caused by a collapse underground, likely from water erosion or a broken pipe, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Engineers and construction teams have started assessing the area and are working to fix it as soon as possible, but no specific timeline for reopening has been given yet.
Drivers traveling in this part of the state were met with heavy delays, detours, and confusion. Some were stuck in traffic for hours, while others had to take long alternate routes.
Local authorities have urged people to avoid the Garden State Parkway in the affected region and to check traffic apps before leaving home. They are also asking drivers to stay calm and patient while work continues to repair the damage.
People living nearby reported loud sounds and shaking in the early hours, with some saying it felt like a small earthquake. “We were shocked to hear the road just gave in,” said a resident of Woodbridge Township. “It’s scary because it’s such a busy highway.”
Emergency services and traffic police are present in the area to manage the situation and guide drivers. Clear signage has been placed along nearby routes to inform people of the closure.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has also deployed roadwork vehicles and additional lights to speed up repairs and ensure the safety of workers.
The Garden State Parkway is one of the most used highways in the state, with thousands of vehicles passing through daily.
Any disruption here leads to a major impact on traffic not just locally, but across the entire region. That’s why crews are working round the clock to fix the road and open it as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, commuters have been asked to use Route 1, Route 9, and the New Jersey Turnpike as alternate routes. Public transportation options like NJ Transit buses and trains may also help reduce pressure on the roads.
Local schools and businesses have also started informing people about potential delays due to the situation. Delivery services and emergency response teams are being advised to plan ahead and expect longer travel times for the next few days.
Weather conditions may also affect the repair timeline. With rain expected later in the week, authorities are trying to finish the groundwork before it becomes too dangerous to continue. If rainwater enters the sinkhole area, it could make the ground even more unstable.
If you’re planning to drive through Middlesex or Union County in the next few days, make sure to check for real-time updates on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority website or local news apps. You can also follow the New Jersey Department of Transportation for official announcements.
Officials have not said how deep or wide the sinkhole is, but photos taken at the scene show a large hole in the middle of the road, surrounded by debris and caution tape. Workers in safety gear were seen using large machines to break up the surrounding asphalt and prepare for reconstruction.
While sinkholes are not common in this part of the country, they can still happen when water weakens the ground under roads. It’s often difficult to detect them before they cause damage, which is why regular inspections and fast repairs are so important.
The situation is a reminder of how sudden and serious infrastructure issues can be. While crews are doing their best to fix the problem, everyone is being urged to stay informed, be careful, and avoid the area if possible.
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