The sinkhole was discovered Thursday morning near Wharton, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of New York City.
Crews were evaluating how to repair the sinkhole, which left a gaping depression along the highway's right shoulder. It's too soon to know how long the repairs will take, said Steve Schapiro, a spokesperson with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The closure comes at a time when traffic is lighter than normal because of the holidays, he said. Motorists were being directed to take a short detour before they were able to get back on the interstate, which connects northern New Jersey with Pennsylvania.
