How Drones Could Benefit Sinkhole Repairs and Prevention
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Interstate 80 (I-80) is a major roadway that runs from San Francisco, CA, all the way to the New York Metropolitan area. A key commuter route for New Jerseyans, 68.54 miles of I-80 run through six New Jersey counties. For people living and commuting along the Morris County, NJ stretch of I-80, the past several weeks have been a travel nightmare, which only seems to be getting worse. Problems started when a 40-ft sinkhole opened on the eastbound outer shoulder by Exit 34 in Wharton, NJ, on December 27, 2024.
A large stretch of the eastbound side was shut down while the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) assessed and repaired the roadway. The assessment revealed that the sinkhole was caused by an abandoned mine, one of many across the state of NJ. NJDOT workers quickly began repairs, knowing the traffic impact of keeping I-80 eastbound closed. The sinkhole was repaired in a few days; however, further assessments revealed the possibility of more than 40 vulnerable locations.
Governor Phil Murphy visited the affected area of I-80 on February 8, 2025, and declared a state of emergency to secure federal funds for continued repairs and to prevent further damage from the abandoned mines beneath the roadway. Although the roadway remained closed with no projected reopening date, residents became hopeful that the issue would soon be addressed. Then, on February 10, 2025, yet another sinkhole opened on eastbound I-80 near Wharton, prompting continued closures.
Steve Shapiro, a representative from NJDOT, stated, “The department is working closely with engineering and mine experts and our federal partners to further assess subsurface conditions, including the influence of abandoned mines. The goal is to develop the most effective stabilization measures to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the roadway.” He went on to reassure the public with some of the measures that would be deployed, such as drones, to meet the demands of preventing more sinkholes from opening. “Remote sensing technology will scan the pavement for changes, while sensors beneath the road will detect early signs of subsurface movement,” he said. “Deeper underground devices will monitor long-term soil stability.”
The public was not made aware of when these measures would take place, nor of the exact types of technology to be used, but once again, things were starting to look up. Then, on the evening of March 19, 2025, a massive sinkhole opened up on the median bordering the westbound lanes. To date, both sides of I-80 around Wharton remain closed until further notice. Although Mr. Shapiro only alluded to the use of drones in this matter, there are several ways in which NJDOT could benefit from this technology.
The first is by using drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and thermal cameras. A drone equipped this way can be flown over an area of concern. The drone follows a predetermined path, collecting thermal images that are stitched together with LiDAR images. This would provide NJDOT with a comprehensive view of what lies beneath the roadway. The drone can cover large areas in a short amount of time, allowing remediation plans to be set in motion quickly. This technique is already being used in several U.S. states for locating abandoned mines to prevent environmental contamination.
A second way drones could be beneficial for NJ’s I-80 problem is by reaching areas that NJDOT employees cannot. Some drones, like the Elios 3, are specifically designed to access small, dangerous, underground areas like mines. One of the challenges in addressing the I-80 situation is the danger of not knowing what is beneath the surface. Sending someone into an exposed sinkhole is risky, but a drone can safely navigate this hazard. Once underground, the drone can collect valuable visual and LiDAR data. If anything goes wrong—such as exposure to chemical leaks or further structural collapse—it is a replaceable drone, not a person, that is at risk.
As the situation continues to unfold along I-80 in Morris County, NJ, the use of innovative technologies, such as drones and remote sensing, could be key in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by abandoned mines. While the immediate future remains uncertain, the dedication of state officials and transportation authorities to find effective solutions provides a glimmer of hope for the thousands of commuters affected. With these efforts underway, there is hope that the situation will soon be resolved, bringing relief to commuters and restoring the safety and reliability of I-80.
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